DocBauer

You are correct. Simply, what I mean and should have made more clear is he will simply be passed by very soon if he can't stay healthy and take the next step. Hence the last chance comment.

Initially, early on, it's not a debate or problem. Matchups or metrics, you rotate behind the plate through April. You want your catcher as sharp as he can be. But all of them have countless innings played behind the plate at all levels. They will not suddenly forget how to catch. With Astudillo's flexibility, his bat can stay sharp in the field at different positions as well. No reason he can't play some 3B and let Gonzalez take a day off or rest someone else. Isn't that really why he was brought on board? I think the Twins missed Castro more last season than anyone wants to admit. We get obsessed with offensive production, and forget what else a player may bring to a team. But here's the rub. Garver got better defensively as last season went along. Astudillo has done nothing to show he isn't solid, at least, behind the plate. Each offers up so much more AT the plate than Castro. Injuries influence rosters and decisions. But at some point this season, barring substantial injury, the Twins will have to make a decision. If the growth/development path continues as we have seen it, Castro may be traded to a team needing help. A Garver/Astudillo platoon offers so much more unless there is an obvious defensive/leadership differential. A few games in, Sano still on the IL, it's not a decision that has be made now.

Part 2: It's VERY early. 3 games! 3 early and cold games where the ppitchers may have an advantage due to dead air and cold temps. And yes, the Indians lineup isn't exactly stacked. But guess what? The cold temperatures don't just affect the hitters, they affect the pitchers as well. I am no expert, but can you imagine keeping your arm loose, and trying to feel the ball when the temp is in the 30-40 degree range? No matter the Indians roster, they have 3 of the top 10-15 SP in the AL. The Twins beat 2 of them, and maybe should have won all 3 games. No matter how badly you may want to berate the lineup the Indians put out there...at worst...it was a collection of ML and AAAA hitters. Forget matching a record and trying to make excuses for said record. How often do you see a AAA game where there are so many SO? How often do you see a ML SP on milb rehab dominate and SO so many batters? There is no telling, at this point, how good or average the starting rotation could be. But to be dismissive of the Twins pitchers actually outperforming the Indians starters in the same cold March weather over a three game series is rather defeatist. Enjoy and revel and let's see what they and Johnson can accomplish going forward! As someone pointed out, this may be the best SP staff we have seen in Target Field. (I still would thrown Pineda out for the 5th. Lots of opportunity to control his IP).

Absolutely NOT picking on anyone or any single opinion stated! Just find it interesting and humorous...but that's baseball...that there is so much debate about players and the manager after THREE GAMES, lol. I think Astudillo should have PH for Kepler in the same situation. Who knows what would have happened? And I am NOT attempting to open a debate after THREE GAMES as to the merit of Kepler hitting leadoff. But I think it's funny to question it at this point. Kid has TONS of talent, has shown flashes, has embraced his role, had a good ST, knkws how to take good AB and make contact, take BB, as nas spoken recently about continuing to do so while also changing his approach to being more aggressive at the same time. It's not a moxioron. Its about believing in yourself and your talent and approach. It's about being aggressive when you see a good pitch, but still holding back. (The opposite of Sano and Buxton last season, but that's a different discussion entirely)! Gladden made a great comment the other day about Kepler hitting #1 in regard to the past when you were just looking for that speed guy at the top of the order. But it's more now about OB. His comment was Kepler shouldn't necessarily try to change his entire approach, but rather, just be the best hitter he could be. Especially in a lineup that appears to be deep and he won't be leading off every inning.

I follow the milb system about as close as I can. And I know most of these names, but I can't even pretend to know as much as Seth and others do. The "problem" with a roster like this at A- is age and development at EST along with injury. Then factor in decisions from the foreign leagues and rookie leagues and how do you build a roster that seems right? Glad I'm not in charge! Lol While familiar with names, reports, the handbook, etc, I will not play expert. But I see good and bad with this roster. There is some potential at catcher. That's a good thing! We've gone from nothing to some actual depth in the system for the future. But a guy I am curious about is Chris Williams. He was drafted as a senior and signed for next to nothing. But he WAS a catcher before injury prevented him from playing that his senior year. He has a powerful bat with swing and miss. Can he still catch? Or is he really just a bat? Really excited to see what Severino does his second season. Really disappointed in the 2018 that Cabbage and Bechtold had. There seems to be so much to like in both of them, but I would have expected both of them to be ready for Ft Myers this year, despite a roster crunch. Older, a college draftee, and such a solid first season, I may be more disappointed in Bechtold. Like the athleticism and potential of this OF! Especially Celestino and Keirsey. I think the pitchers are where they should be. Enlow and Balazovic are ready to explode, Graterol-like. But they are still so young, I think they are where they should be for now. Maybe I'm just the eternal optimist, but I think the whole roster gets better when Javier joins them! Can't wait for a summer trek to CR to see him and this team!

Appreciate the comments! A couple questions to toss your way for comment/opinion. 1] There is obviously a TON of SS talent in the system now, from Polanco on down, but it seems they gave up on Miranda at the spot early on. Is that more about depth, or his growing out of the position, or just not having the range/hands? 2] When the Twins selected Blenkenhorn and Cabbage in the same draft, I thought they got a couple of great athletes who could be huge steals. (Steals being a relative term as they were fairly high slections). We have seen real flashes from Blenkenhorn, far less from Cabbage at this point. At this point, really interested to hear what you think about those two going forward.

This may be a silly sounding statement but everything here just makes sense. Other than Hamilton at catcher, based on his 2018, everyone looks like they belong. Defensively, at least, it seems the catching is very good. Sure wish Navarreto could actually learn how to hit one of these days, and develop some power with his size, because everything we hear about him defensively is excellent. Maybe im just nuts, but i have this feeling that in a couple of years Grzelowski is going to sneak on to someone's roster, if not ours, as an extra catcher, flexible position player with a decent bat and some pop. But with Garver, Astudillo in play, Rortvedt and Jeffers on the way, it may not be with the Twins. I find the infield solid but lean. Other than Arraez, just not sure there is a future MLer amongst them. But with Kirilloff and DeLaTrinidad you have the makings of a pretty nice OF! Not to mention hope Davis can take the next step. A little unsure about both Davis and Kerrigan, but there is some potential. English is the guy I'm disappointed/frustrated with. I have seen him as a better version of Granite for a couple years now but he can't stay healthy. Guy has the right approach at the plate, can run, plays great defense and has a good arm. Just not sure he's ever going to have the opportunity to really establish himself. How can you not like this staff? I am only mildly surprised by Graterol being here. I expect his IP will be monitored to some degree, but his stuff is outstanding and he ranks universally amongst the topp 100 prospects. Additionally, his "hero" is Berrios and he reportedly is doing all he can to follow his rigid training regime. Alcala has stuff that is at least close. Wells was the milb pitcher of the year for good reason. Jax is older than you like, which makes him a wild card, but the Twins gambled on him for a reason. And finally being allowed to peruse his dream, we started to see the potential/results in 2018. I don't find the pen to be anything outstanding, but Clay, Moran, Cutara and Stashak could change my mind quickly. (Mildly surprised Stashak isn't starting up at Rochester). Pleased and surprised to see Jay still around. I never really expected someone else to claim him. But a little surprised he's even with the Twins still. But pleased he gets one more shot at health to harness such a talented arm. Blast his selection all you want, kid has/had a really good arm with some wicked stuff. Final shot to see what he can do? Probably. But how many times have we seen a "last chance" and someone takes advatage of it? Heres hoping for tbe best. I see a solid staff, some big bats, some decent bats, good defense and some lineup versatility that should make this a quality first half club who gets even better the second half when...not kidding...half of the Ft Myers club could be ready to advance.

I can't say I'm really excited about the Red Wings roster, but I do feel it's better than 2018. I have questions about the catcher spot. Let's be honest, we didn't know this time last year what we had in Astudillo, but Wilson was a decent #3, if that's all he was going to be. Obviously in the injury to Castro changed that situation. I am NOT excited about Telis, but at least he's a former top prospect. Those are the kind of guys you should take a flier on at this point. The infield is nothing exciting, but the solid Torreyes and prospect Gordon is a lot better than an entire collection of journeymen we had in place last year at this time. The entire OF/1B/DH situation is MUCH better than the beginning of 2018! I have done zero research/reading on Andreoli at this point, but Wade, Rooker, Raley and Wiel are all good to decent prospects. Other than Cave, who was still somewhat of an unknown at the time, vast improvement here. So-so on the staff as a whole. I am a big fan of Thorpe, and I still have high hopes for Gonsalves. Stewart has me interested again. Just not sure what to make of Littell, who I felt looked nervous and rushed last season. Still, he's young and has a solid track record. I have moved on from Romero being a SP, but haven't given up with experience and development of a 3rd pitch. But his potential in the pen can't be denied. Eades really embraced his role as a RP, looked good in ST, and may have a future. Can't deny what Vasquez has done. But can he take the next step with a pedestrian FB? Nobody else does anything for me except maybe Reed. Better health, and embracing the new approach/metrics he spoke about in ST...maybe he finally takes that next step. Overall...a better team than the one that began 2018 with some solid call up options and some real depth/potential that was lacking last year at this time.

Seth stole my thunder on this, but yes, Jeffers bat will play at DH when not catching. Now, what I don't know is whether he can/will play a little 1B as well. The Twins haven't been shy about having their catchers try on a 1B glove here and there. I see your point about having Blenkenhorn and Miranda on the same squad, but in reality, Blenkenhorn doesn't seem ready for AA yet and Miranda is ready for A+ ball. But remember, each of those two also play some 2B. Additionally, Blenkenhorn has seem some OF time as well. It's really up to Gardenhire to move the guys around and make sure they all play consistently.

Great looking roster just loaded! Should have an excellent first half of the year. After that...well...depends on who is ready to be promoted/added past mid season as a lot of this team could finish at AA

Tremendous steam of consciousness thread, Seth. And I agree and appreciate everything stated. 1] Positional players and depth is solid and much better than last season. While contact and OB may be a concern, hitting and power production should not be one. 2] There is athleticism and speed on the roster. That doesn't translate immediately to SB. It could mean simply good base running and stretching plays. And the roster could produce this. But I have to wonder, in a new age of launch angle and power, could some small ball and extra bases and SB be the "next thing" for offense? 3] The potential of the starting staff is the best we've seen in some time. Not going to go over the merits and potential of Berrios and Gibson. BTDT. Not yet 30...late 20's where a hell of a lot of pitchers have actually learned how to "pitch"...not sugar coating things...both Pineda and Odorizzi have some good to excellent stuff. History shows what each is capable of. Can at least ONE of them settle in and just pitch to their ability? If so, then we have 3 top SP and at least a decent #4 on hand. And we also have another extension candidate on hand. With luck and a good pitching coach, maybe more. I remain very skeptical about Perez. I have gone from dislike to hopeful on him. And it's not about improved velocity so much as recognition of what he should throw. 4] The bullpen is the problem with this team, more than anything else. I get that FA arms are no guarantee! Reed should show us that! But despite Rodney and Fultz having some early troubles, they were solid. And they were actually worth some sort of trade value. (Even limited). Rogers is a potential stud. (Imagine some time and patience to make it so). May has all the potential in the world! Parker is solid. The rest is...WTH? I am NOT a defeatist. I am willing to bet on Hildy and his milb career and first 1 1/2 years of production at the ML level. I am willing to bet on the arms of Mejia and Romero, though each could also refine their stuff enough to slide back in to to the rotation again. I have seen Magill, healthy, with a mid 90FB and tremendous slurve to hope Johnson can help find more consistency. I can bet on Harper, who deserves to be there, with his curve, at various speeds, as long as he can spot his FB. I can bet on a lot of things. And I'm not a betting man. And I am hopeful for a lot of things to happen. But unless a few guys come forward, or we make a move or two, I think the pen will sink us from a 92-94 win team to 82-84 team

I was surprised Rocco sent Berrios out for the 8th. He was pitching a great game, but so early in the season, and most guys ramped for about 75-80 pitches in ST, I felt he would be done after 7. I don't mean to nitpick, but is this a belief in the talent and potential of Berrios...who I have always believed will eventually evolve in to a true #1...a realization we have enough off days that approaching 100 pitches so early in the season just shouldn't matter at this point, or a disbelief in the pen? Don't mistake euphoria for baseball to be played and a great first game win for anything else. I'm just tossing out a little light conversation.

I was at work, but got to watch some of the game. Just a few thoughts: 1] The Buxton double was like mana to me. He waited for the right pitch and laced it! Although he ended up stranded at 3B, his tag to take 3B on a fly out to LF reminded me how fun he is to watch and how dangerous he can be! 2] I really like the potential of Garver and the development he has shown, as well as his commitment to get better in all phases of the game. But I still think Castro was a quality signing and I think Garver and the whole staff missed having him around last season. I still feel Garver will eventually take over, but I think having Castro around helps the team/staff a lot. 3] This might be one of the best performances Berrios has had in his young career. First start of the season, first opening day start, could you possibly ask for more?

I have been following the Twins milb system, best I could, since the late 70's/early 80's via snippets from The Trib, Baseball Digest, The Sporting News, Baseball America, and an independent Twins paper in the late 80's that was short lived and Who's name I can't recall any longer. Fun stuff that fuels hope and speculation! I think your list is an accurate one in regard to 2019. Attempting to be brief: Harper: A surprise to be sure, but he's earned this. Can he spot his FB well enough for his various speed curve to remain effective? Let's hope so! Gordon: I still believe he's physically developing, combining that with level advancement has lead to inconsistency, IMO. He probably makes an appearance at sometime, but I think 2020 is really his target date. Thorpe: Really believe in him and almost hard to believe how quickly he has risen after missing 2 full seasons. I was a little disappointed in his AFL and ST, but he's young and these are all steps in the process. I think we probably see him, but right now he's behind a few other guys. Like Gordon, I think 2020 is his likely coming out party. Wade: He plays in 2019 at some point unless the baseball health gods smile on the Twins in '19. I still don't know his ceiling, but he's got a nice skill set. Arraez/Rooker/Kiriloff: The bats can and hopefully will carry all three. (Not a knock on Kirilloff's defense). All three can hit and have shown the ability to make adjustments. How quickly can they make adjustments to AAA in 2019? (Or even skip AAA in Kirilloff's case). But again, with healthy, sounding lime a broken record, all three seem to be targeted more for 2020. Reed/Eades: Reed needs to be healthy and keep doing what he's been doing. He is going to get his shot. I thought Eades was done. And then he embraced his role as a multi-situational pen piece and took off. I think he also will see MLB this season. Raley: Are we missing something here? Dude just looks like an athlete. He hits, has power, but seems to maintain some OB ability as well. He plays OF corner and 1B and the Twins even put him in CF a few times during ST. Is he someone we will be talking about in a few months? I'm going to group Moran, Stashak, Wells and Alcala together because I just don't see them this season. And yet, continued success for Moran and Stashak could make them a fast riser similar to Vasquez last year. Better secondary stuff could do the same for Alcala. I see Wells sticking as a SP and behind too many other arms to breakthrough in '19. It's fun to speculate on all these guys. But the position roster is set, and bas better depth than last year. Less room available to push someone forward. The pen, however and unfortunately, could be in flux for some, if not all, of 2019. That is where a surprise or two could be found based on talent, performance and opportunity.

And neither can the bullpen, apparently. Hopefully something mild and short term. Hopefully again, Polanco will be ready to go. Rather impressed with what I've seen and read about Torreyes, but we really need Polanco.

It's the 1/4 Norwegian in me, (influenced by my uncles). A lot to say but my fingers just run out of steam sometimes.

I was going to blame auto correct for the use of the word "options". But I'm starting to like it and think I'll claim it as tongue in cheek and deliberate. Lol Size L for the windbreaker please.

If you know me, then you know I have options and I can be long winded, lol. Doesn't mean I'm wrong! 1] This initial roster makes sense! Mildly surprised they found a way to keep/audition Austin, but pleased they did so. They found a way because they don't need the extra arm, in theory, for the first few weeks. (Weather and performance will also dictate). It's up to Rocco to find a suitable way to play/audition everyone involved. Barring injury, sorry to say, the best outcome for Austin is to go to AAA for a time, passing through waivers, or move to another team. 2] Astudillo belongs here. He had a solid but not great ST. But ST doesn't mean everything/anything and we all know that! But his milb track, and what he showed last season can't be dismissed. He's not just a fun story. He's not just a fan favorite. It may sound trite, but this guy is a BALLPLAYER! He is versatile and solid at various positions, and brings a unique and good bat. His only "curse" to a roster spot may be having an option available and being sent down when Sano is ready. 3] Eagerly ready to look up recipes for eating crow. Perez has looked surprisingly good. Over the weekend he pitched 5+ innings of very good ball before being removed and May coughed up 3 runs on ONE PITCH. Not bashing May, just re-interating how good Perez looked initially. 4] Harper. I mean, who the hell is this guy? I'm still waiting for someone to tell me what's wrong with him. Or at least give me an accurate and detailed scouting report. (And I've looked around). His milb numbers are beyond impressive, unless he's been betting by on smoke and mirrors all this time. It appears he throws a low 90 FB with one of the best CB I've seen in some time. A curve he not only throws for strikes, but changes speeds on. ANY successful pitcher mixes pitches to change a batter's timing and elevation. He seems to do that. Maybe, in a couple of weeks we will see ML figure his stuff out and "time" him. Maybe not. I'm glad he is getting a shot. 5] Bullpen. I want so much to like what I see. I just can't. Not at this moment. I think Rogers is for real. I think May can be outstanding despite a couple of poor outings recently. Looking at ST and the last couple of seasons, still not sure why the Angels just let Parker walk. He looks like at least a solid, experienced, productive arm to me. Mejia has the stuff, no question. Can he translate it and fulfill his potential? Can he come close? If so, he will be an excellent RP and a potentially solid backend SP. But we are still talking about talent vs potential. Hildenberger has an amazing track record through milb and his first season and a half of MLB before falling flat. Who is the real Hildy? Reed belongs on the IR at this point. There is just nothing there. I was really hoping for a rebound, but....I was hoping Johnson would take Magill's mid 90FB and sometimes next breaking ball and find greater consistency. He also is on the IR. I really like the potential of this team when I look at the lineup, and a rotation that is solid and could be "good" if not better. But as of now, I see a 92-93 win team who will only win about 82-83 games unless health/moves/surprise improves the bullpen.

I understand Harper has no MLB time and the others do. (Although not recently). And I understand ST numbers are usually not a basis to make a roster decision. But Harper has been outstanding, steady, and has flat out out-pitched his competition. At some point dont you ride the guy on a hot streak performing the best?

I won't take the time to state how much I like and believe in our FO and all the moves and changes they have made from the top on down. I won't do so brevity, as well as the fact that this particular situation is not only on topic, but glaring. It is one thing to accept the volatility of FA, overall but especially in regard to RP, and history showing that just making a signing guarantees nothing. (A Reed for example). It is also a singular thing to look at arms on hand and projecting what might be. But is entirely different to bank on a return to prominence for a veteran coming off a poor season and a group of young arms to suddenly produce for what was clearly a glaring weakness. There have been some very smart moves, and a couple questionable moves...Perez...that could be smart. But to make Parker the only bullpen addition is reprehensible. There were so many options available this offseason, just be smart, you are supposed to be aggressive and smart, and sign at least ONE GUY who could make a legitimate difference! Yes, Magill actually offers up some surprising potential. So does Harper. (Who's milb track record makes you wonder why the he'll he hasn't had a cup of coffee at least). And you're right Ted when you state a few weeks, or months, from now we could have a different opinion as things work themselves out. But with the season about to start, the pen is looking like hope and prayers. What a difference just ONE known and proven quality would add to Rogers, May, Parker and maybe Hildy and Mejia. HUGE mistake and missed opportunity!

While I do believe a closer is overrated, and a save to some degree, not everyone can handle the position. Sure there are "cheap" saves, but there are also 1 run leads and heart of the order or PH options as the other team attempts to rally. Its not as simple as "anyone can do it", and firemen shouldn't be closers. (NOT that you are saying that Nick). Its still an important job. Seems to me Parker or May are the obvious considerations, but I feel it's going be fluid for now and settle itself organically. Not on Hildenberger: Even the good throwing Hildy might not be the best choice. All those ground balls you mentioned could be excellent in the 7th or 8th to kill any potential rally early.

Obviously battling injury most all last season, and trying to play through it and compensate, ruined his season. Whether or not he can duplicate/approach his 2017 season is open for debate. Healthy, and still young, he could easily do so. But he put up solid numbers in both 2015 and '16 as well. I'm pretty excited to see what he does in 2019 even though I agree he's really slotted as 6-7 hitter. He could be an excellent 1 year rental, giving way to another prospect a year from now...OR...worthy of a possible re-sign to buy more time for Lewis, Javier, etc, to be ready. A very smart signing.

I think you summed up both of our positions. I have no problem with Cruz, or a similar bat, assuming the DH spot. Especially with the 26 man roster next season. Said bat can be a difference maker! I'd just rather have a roster "crunch" of Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Cave, Sano, Kirilloff, Rooker maybe, and rotate and play matchups. Really good news this could be a good "problem" to have as early as late in 2019. (Not that I would dismiss or dump Cruz, of course).

In regards to Pressly, I didn't like the trade then, and j don't like it now. There is a decent chance the pkayers they acquired are going to be good. But with another year of control, and need on the Twins, I didn't see it as a "too good to turn down" offer. I also think this staff would have done many of the same things Houston did, or have been credited with. It's too bad, but he's gone. Brock made a great comment in a different thread the other day about how much better he'd feel about the pen with just ONE acquisition you felt like could make a difference. I agree 100%! That ONE ARM is not only a guy you could count on, but pushes everyone else down a notch, deepening the entire pen. I like and believe in May and Rogers. I think Parker was a solid addition. I think we've seen enough of Mejia to realize he can be good in either role, just needs to find the ability/toughness to put hitters away with 2 strikes. (Comes with experience). But what else is there we can feel remotely good about at this point? Romero has the arm talent to succeed, and do well. Being one of our best arms, I want to take that arm and potential north. But his last 2 appearances have been awful. (To be fair, his defense let him down on Sunday, but still). Reed looks like he is done, or should be on the IL to begin the year. I get the volatile nature of RP and just signing guys and plugging them in doesn't mean success. And there was a great piece a few days back by Matt Braun about building a pen. (Worth reading if you haven't already). The crux is an example of building a quality pen without "names" in place. I get it. But to have a roster that looks this good with at least a decent rotation...and some depth...and not better address the biggest Achilles heel on this team baffles me. There are just too many "iffs" we are counting on to make me comfortable. I have this awful feeling we have a 92/o3 win team who will end up at 82/83 wins due to a bullpen that just can't get the job done consistently enough.

Nope I didn't ask but thanks for playing Mike! Very cool! Been in South Dakota and Nebraska my whole life. No wonder I'm a Twins/Vikings/Husker fan huh? Any chance you bleed Husker Red as well? Or are you a Ducks or Beaver fan up there?