DocBauer

Some good hitting, some great defense and a nice job by the pen. A reslly nice win. I really wish Molitor had let Stewart face one more batter to see if he could get that 3rd out and earn the victory. Other than, you know, wanting to win the game, I feel like he was pulled early to "protect" him, rather than risk a big hit/inning at that point. But he's supposed to be up learning and gaining experience. Shouldn't he have gotten the one more hitter to continue that process? Or was it a good decision to pull him then? Thoughts?

I absolutely love this idea! Player A can start, as stated, and player B comes in, again as stated. The next "start" you can flip-flop the two. This provides a great opportunity for Gonsalves, Romero, Stewart etc, to stay in a routine, gain experience, and build towards 2019 and more traditional role. It's a lot better than coming up to maybe sit on the bench and maybe get an inning or two out of the pen as a reliever. I agree that the second "starter" could feel uncomfortable coming in early and disrupting his routine if the initial starter should falter. But they could prepare themselves as necessary for their targeted inning, and a traditional reliever could come in to bridge the gap until that time. I think this is the perfect way to approach September. We are playing for and auditioning for 2019. This is an ideal way to do so for these arms.

As a fan of Mauer...and the only player Jersey I've ever owned, (a special gift), I'd be very happy to see him retire and take his place in Twins history and enjoy his family and life. He'd go out healthy and still on top. Selfishly, as a Twins fan, I'd really like to see him come back again to keep playing that outstanding defense and providing a good hit, high OB option at the top of the order. If he does decide it's time to hang it up, I do hope he decides early, if not before the end of the season, so the Twins can go forward with plans to fill his spot. Who hits leadoff? Polanco?

It's weird, but I feel better about the rotation in 2019 than the pen. Berrios will only continue to get better. Gibson is quite good and solid. Early returns have me excited about a healthy and solid Pineda. Work beating 1-3? Nope. But solid, especially if Berrios takes the next step. Romero belongs, even with some ups and downs. He has the stuff to be better than Berrios, perhaps as early as sometime in 2019. I like Mejia, but I like the potential of Gonsalves even more. And I think Thorpe could be better than both of them, eventually. And there is some depth behind them coming up. Lewis could surprise, Littell could be solid, and Graterol could be the 2019 version of Romero. I always thought May should get another shot in the rotation. But healthy again, his own suggestion to pitch out of the pen thjs season, and his returns thus far, I think he may have found a home. Here's hoping Reed can find his stuff again. Despite some recent struggles, I believe in Hildenberger. And I agree Rogers is GOOD. that's a start. How about Moya? Could Mejia become a top RP? We talk about the Rochester arms and getting auditions. Maybe they still will. But this pen needs at least one more big arm, especially with Pressly gone. I would love to see Odorizzi re-invent himself as a top set-up man or closer. Everything about his results scream to me he should be in the pen instead of pitching t innings and then falling flat the 3rd time through.

I am NOT going to grade Molitor. That's not a cop out. It's just being realistic at this point because his actual resume is somewhat incomplete as this season is not done yet, and he has managed 2 largely successful years where the Twins weren't really expected to compete. And we simply don't know how the clubhouse works, or if the FO and Molitor are on the same page, or if there is a disconnect anywhere. NOT BLAMING MOLITOR: I am NOT putting blame for Sano or Buxton or Polanco or Santana. There are so many overriding factors involved here, how is he responsible? I am NOT putting blame on him for Lynn's bad start or Morrison's hip and far below any career numbers. I get arguments about other teams having issues and injuries. But to me, it's a bit of a straw-man argument because not every team is built the same, or has a AAA brimming with a couple prospects ready to step up and fill in. It's very hard to compare situations. Further, on paper, the moves the FO made were largely lauded, even if an almost comedic amount of issues and poor performance ensued. (Nor am I blaming the FO for those). WHAT I DO BLAME MOLITOR FOR: He flatly has over-used various relievers. Maybe some of this rests on the FO. Personally, I thought the Rochester shuttle system worked better last season. Is the pkayers or moves made? But in a long season, you have to trust what you have and look for matchup and opportunities. Once in a while, you may have just let a game go so you can win the next 2. Additionally, I'm not sure he has a natural "feel" for when to pull or insert or stick with a pitcher. I have lauded him at times for sending the SP back out for the next inning. But at times if felt obvious, IMHO, that he shouldn't or should have been pulled more quickly. I also feel he's a bit stubborn about relievers pitching to anyone vs matchups. I also blame Molitor for lineup construction. To be fair, guys have to produce. And guys can't play ever day, and guys get hit and cold. But why did it take so long for Mauer to supplant Dozier in the #1 spot? If the ONE THING Grossman could do was work a count and get OB, then why wasn't he used at the top of the lineup more often to at least help set the table? Kelly's teams, and I feel most of Gardenhire's teams, were more fundamentally sound on some of the basics. Even in losing season's. Though, to be honest, I felt this much better in 2017 than 2018. What changed? Most of the same guys were back. Overall? I don't think Molitor has done that bad of a job. With no previous managing experience, he has lead a rebuilding team to a couple competitive seasons. We've seen some good and entertaining baseball. And yes, his 5th team could even crack .500. But sometimes, a fit just isn't right. Sometimes, you honestly need change for change sake. You need that so the entire organization, from the FO on down, and the talented guys on the current roster, and those coming up, are hearing a more collective voice and seeing a collective vision. I won't be angry or upset if Molitor is back. Health, some smart moves, a ton of talent knocking at or approaching the door, and a couple smart moves could have this team well above .500 next season. I just think it might be time for a different voice and approach.

Believe me, I get your frustration and feel it myself! And who knows, maybe we are homers, but I am still going to have to disagree with you on some points. I get what the numbers say. They are a reality. And this not a bash Molitor/coaching/FO comment, but I do disagree on the talent aspect available to quite some degree. I am NOT saying the performance is there, but the TALENT of Rosario, Buxton (I know he's not here right now), Kepler, Sano and Polanco is a really good place to start, position wise. Garver is debatable, but I like the bat, and how it can play, and I still think he's made overall improvement. 1B, 2B and DH (Though I don't buy in to necessarily having a big bopper DH with a nicely balanced roster). I like Rosario and Gibson, as well as the potential of some of the kids and a positive return for Pineda, which is looking more and more positive for 2019 with each appearance. I like some of the bullpen arms, but Reed is a question mark and more work is needed there. This roster is by no means anywhere close to a completed project. And this off season is where the FO really earns their stripes, IMO. But again, poor performance, doesn't always equate to available talent. Especially considering how this season has gone, recent trades, and now auditioning players for 2019.

OK, so once again we are talking 2019 as we will again, and again, and yet again. And that's OK, it why we are here. Berrios is quality on the cusp of being a true #1. If he stubs his toe, he's an excellent #2. Like the love for Gibson, still frustrated for those who don't look at reality. Poor "rookie" season coming back from TJ and getting a late look that didn't go so well. Really good/solid season his first full season and an even better season despite W/L his second year. Improved in virtually every category! The whole team stunk in 2016, and so did he first half of 2017. Then the light came on and he's been quality since. Pineda may or may not come all the way back in 2019. But it's a decent bet, and he's looked good in early returns before his ML debut this season. Career 4.05ERA/ 9.09K per 9/ .249AVG/ 1.19WhIP. Who wouldn't take that for your potential #3 SP? The ugly word of potential, but Romero could be better than Berrios before 2019 is done. Gonsalves, despite a poor first performance, could be better than Mejia. And Thorpe could be better than either of them. Odorizzi is OK as a 4th starter, way better than most as a 5th SP. But we need these guys in the rotation not only for their ability and potential, but to also convince Odorizzi to look at his career numbers and his potential for the next 5-7 years what he could accomplish as a high leverage set up man or closer. Because his stuff plays so well there!

WOW! GREAT read SD! Thank you! What I took away, from hyperbole and forecast about his talent and potential is this: he "gets it ". Despite all his potential, he gets his role. Play defense, hit, get OB, steal, run, power up when you can. Let's be honest, while you can debate the Twins slow playing or not with top prospects, for many years, they have overplayed CF prospects from Hunter through Span to Gomez, Hicks and Buxton. I hope they give this kid time because the talent and attitude seem to be there. Really appreciate all the CR posts you grant us!

Not playing the 40 man game at the moment, though it was already pointed out how easily a few spots could be made available in the next couple of weeks. I get too late to DFA Grossman, in theory, but can't totally agree. IMO, in a lost season, I would 60 man anyone I could, and DFA anyone I could at this point. Gordon, Wade and Thorpe all have to be added this off season, yes? So even if they spend most of their time on the bench in September, what serves them and the Twins best? Being sent home? Or getting a taste of ML ball and spending time with the coaches and team and maybe getting in to a game or two? Isn't it just silly to say you won't be brought up, but in a month or two, we will add you to the 40man?

Cave needs to work on plate discipline. But he has shown exuberance matched by Rosario and the since departed Escobar. (Sorry, but I find that intriguing). He's played a very nice OF with a few bad plays here and there. As stated, that will happen. There is definitely some hit tool there, along with decent power and power potential. I've also seen hustle and decent speed. I actually think he's a 4th OF keeper, though me may have to fight off Wade in the not too distant future. I'm really unsure of Austin, though there are things to like. Despite not being a slugger, you can see the power potential. His milb numbers don't show big HR power, but show consistently solid numbers: .285/ .363/ .474/ .837 quad slash line. Still only 26, don't those numbers translate to some ML potential? Maybe, maybe not. Call me crazy, but I see him as a less disciplined but better version of Grossman. By that I mean, if he can be even average in the OF on occasion, he can play 1B, which Grossman can't, and bring power that Grossman can't. In my dream scenario, the Twins would sign or trade for a decent OF/1B/DH RH hitter. Could Austin be a 26yo potential steal who just needed opportunity and a change if scenery? Meh. Maybe. But I'm at least intrigued. Drake? Forgetting the great chagrin we all felt when signed, his ML career SO per 9 is over 10. Though his BB per is just shy of 4 and his WHIP isn't anything to write home about. He would not be the first or last guy, or Twin find, to get himself together at age 30ish. Early returns are good. But unless he really shows something, he is NOT a guy you keep on the 40 man vs a 25-26yo at Rochester you aren't quite sure enough yet. That would be short sighted and down right idiotic IMO.

Unless you are a rookie pitcher facing the Twins your first time out, (sarcasm alert: but doesn't it sort of feel that way at times over the years?), you probably won't rock in your initial start. And despite being a fan and believer in Gonsalves, I have stated that I felt he would have a rough couple of starts in his ML career before settling down. Not only is it a big move, but jts been his MO, somewhat, to move up and then adapt and settle in after a few starts. I hoped for the best but expected nothing less tonight. Like the article says, at least this is over, now, let's get on to chapter 2. Gonsalves could easily be part of our future. Time to march him out again in 5 days.

I completely understand the development of a young, or very young, milb player. And I have never been one to stand on a soapbox and just scream out "damn the torpedoes! This future star did it, so why can't this guy?!" And I believe the FO, scouts, coaches and managers are a hell of a lot smarter about development and promotions than I will ever be! But really, unleashing just missing something about defense, approach and production, shouldn't Lewis and Khiriloff be in the AGO and begin next season in AA?

Is Joe done? He could be. Who would blame him if he walked away after a great career. Part of me wishes he would for his own sake after so many great season's and his future with his family. The reality is he found a re-surgance in 2017. That seemed to carry over to this season before his "concussion like" symptoms. But in his last 30 games he is still hitting .291 with a .349OB. His last 7 games are even better. There is still real value there. Especially if there is enough power and RBI production elsewhere in the lineup. But it was, indeed, another great moment. I have looked at Austin's history. I've seen mediocre things and some really good things. I've seen a decent but not great OPS. I've seen good BA, good OB and good OPS in his milb career. Only 26, is this an opportunity and change of scenery guy who could really contribute the next few season's? Absolutely not going to bank on him. But there is opportunity. And consider me intrigued.

Mejia could also be a nice piece to the pen, whether we keep 2 or maybe 3 lefties. I say this because hes out of options, and if someone passes him for a rotation spot, (Gonsalves?), no way we pass him through waivers. Agreed something doesn't seem right with Reed at all. Just.not the same pitcher hes been before. Really want Belisle gone, with all do respect, for someone to audition for next year. Hesitant to make a big move and get burned but we have to look outside the organization, trade or FA, for another potential impact arm to go along with those listed above. THEN I will start to feel better about the potential of the 2019 pen.

To me, Pressly was the ideal candidate. Start an inning, blow people away, blow one every once in a while, but it happens. But he's gone now, unfortunately, and I get why. Yes, the pen has changed, to some degree, in regard to high leverage situations vs the actual end of a game. But I don't believe the game has changed as much as some make it out to be. We talk about "cheap saves" when you have a couple run lead and maybe face the bottom of the order. But how can anyone predict that your closer will actually have a couple run lead, much less face the bottom of the order, or have to face a quality hitter, or two, off the bench? I like Hildenberger a lot! So he's hit a rough patch of late. He's shown what he can do! A couple rough games or two can distort perspective and numbers for a RP, we all know that. But I like him better in the 7th or 8th because he brings such a different dynamic to what is presented. I have argued in the past that a healthy May should absolutely be allowed to stretch himself out and build on what he showed previously before his pen move, and his ST in 2017 before TJ. I have changed my tune. Partially because of his stuff and potential, but also because May himself told the organization earlier this season that he felt more comfortable, while recovering, in the pen. And he excelled at Rochester and has done so in his SSS thus far back up. Long term, is he a closer or a top set-up man? I'm not certain. Reed confounds the issue. Is he healthy? How come we suddenly get the low velocity, inconsistent Reed after having such a great career and track record before this season? Sorry, hope I'm proven wrong, but I've lost faith in Duffey. Decent FB and killer curve who could maybe mix in another pitch here and there, but seems the curve inconsistency has left him. Busentiz, Reed and Curtiss need to be up ASAP! Hildenberger would be toiling still in AAA without opportunity. So let's let opportunity reside in the ML the next month or so and then make some off season decisions. Bullpen by committee to close things out, pun intended. Is it really so hard? *Have to admit, NEVER saw Odorizzi as a closer option! Ever! But Danchat got me thinking...lower than ideal IP, but decent stuff and SO ability...especially since he "gets" the idea of the high strike with so many low ball, launch angle hitters today, might not be so crazy.

#1] We won! Awesome! #2] I can't dislike Wilson because his work behind the plate is solid, and while I haven't checked recently, his RBI were almost in line with his actual hits. But come on, Garver has a future and Wilson doesn't. Still, it seems Garver has been getting more time lately, and that's important. #3] Berrios is too good to be worried about. Virtually every pitcher goes through stretches. #4] Moya has looked pretty good since his recent promotion. SSS? Maybe. Or maybe growth and opportunity are meeting? Think about Hildenberger last season. All the more begs the question about "where is Busentiz, Curtiss and Reed? #5] Drake is the flier you bring in on a milb contract with an invite. Like Magill. You might get lucky. You don't let him block anyone or keep him on the 40 man. #6] Hadn't heard about a bug bothering May, but makes sense if that happened. Regardless, no matter what he's shown...which has been very good and looked very good while in Rochester...he is still on the proverbial "come back trail" and should be handled a bit gingerly. Interesting that he actually told the Twins he should be in the pen in Rochester as he felt better and more productive there considering stamina and time off. #7] I like Mejia. Disappointed in his injury. I think his stuff plays as a solid SP. Just needs to learn how to put guys away quicker. I think his stuff could, potentially, play up even better in the pen. I believe he's out of options. He will be with the club next season in the pen, if not the rotation. Personally, been a huge fan of Gonsalves since the day he was drafted and thought we got a steal! Every single year, at every single level, he has performed and performed well. Usually, not surprisingly, he has struggled a bit on initial introduction, worked and developed, and then excelled. I expect the same thing to happen at the ML level. Decent FB from a lanky LH. Great change. By all reports, his breaking pitches are starting to work better and better. His BB have risen this season, but this too has been better lately. When does he get his feet wet because this wait is getting ridiculous. While I like Mejia, I think Gonsalves has an even better future in the rotation. And I think Thorpe, especially considering his age and lost time and what he's been doing, has an even higher ceiling than Gonsalves!

In my own dense little head, I was considering the entire Buxton issue the past few days before this article was written, though without the service time idea. The service time idea has merit, though you can argue if fair or not. It's a reality in practicality as well as peactice, and as pointed out, in the CBA. One could make a sincere argument, and business argument, that "fair" would include the Twins gaining the extra year of control of a talented young player who has simply not performed to expected levels to this point, whether through injury or actual performance when healthy. Taking emotion out of the equation...was he rushed, the injuries not his fault, was he rushed back, we all want him to succeed, etc...from Aa practical standpoint, it makes sense. And IMO, a grievance would be hard to justify consider injuries and performance vs an argument by the Twins as to the "best interest" in regard to Buxton himself, and his potential career. In other words, finish at Rochester, spend some time in instructionals, get healthy, and re-ser for 2019. And isn't that what really is most important here? What's best for Byron going forward? How js he and his career best served? And i think a strong arguement could be made for what i previously stated, finish at Rochester, go the instructional league...maybe consider winter ball...and work on health, pitch recognition, and a swing and approach at the plate that works. Based on pure ability alone, if he could avoid bad pitch recognition, and just make better decisions/contact, said natural ability should produce some pretty nice numbers, even as he continues to figure stuff out. That being said, Buxton just being an average hitter, with natural power and speed, from ownership on down, I think they would gladly give up the extra year of control if a crystal ball could see a .250-.260 BA and OB% in the .320's with 30+ doubles, HR in the teens with 7-8 triples and 30 SB in 2019. An "average" hitting Buxton, healthy, could/should produce that. I think the debate turns a bit moot if his final 3 weeks at Rochester are poor. But again, I have to ask, what's best for Byron and his career? Not just for him, but for the Twins? IMO, a solid 3 weeks at Rochester, you bring him up to play and work with Rowson some more. Then you send him to instructional league to continue to work and make up for lost time. Then, while can continue to work off a "T" and further condition himself, you "shut him down" from winter league and just get ready for next season. I hate to do anything to curtail Buxton's amazing defensive ability, but it seems the wall crashes may be the biggest problem. Different sport, but as I have referenced before, I think back to Robert Smith of the Vikings and his early career when he seemed snake-bit from injury. HOF RB Tony Dorsett explained to him the team needed him for the whole season, and sometimes going down, or out of bounds, instead of fighting for that extra yard, was more important. His career skyrocketed after that. A physical build-up, as has been suggested, may be a great idea! But maybe, just maybe, a hold up or two here or there could be smart for Buck, and the Twins. Just an added thought.

Hildenberger has proven himself in the minors. He has proven himself in the majors. All relievers...starters for that matter...go through ruts. The fact that Hildenberger himself feels he's been tipping something speaks volumes to me. Agreed, the Twins would be silly to just broadcast something like this. So I will not bang on them as being ignorant of the things you've suggested and posted. What's IMPORTANT is not what they say, but what they do going forward to correct.

THIS! 100%! What are we playing for at this point? Are we playing for the most wins we can get while finishing a very disappointing second? Or are we playing for the best 2019 we can build towards? Sorry, but why in he'll is Gonsalves not getting his feet wet? (I know you were concentrating on the pen, but the reality is the same). Gonsalves has struggled, at least a bit, but always had the stuff and pitchability to learn and grow and make adjustments before performing well to damn well. So why isn't he being afforded the opportunity now to get his feet wet? Unless the FO just has something against Busentiz, Reed and Curtiss, why wouldn't they be up ASAP over Belisle and mystery man Drake...as if they will suddenly fix his control issues and find something magical. Sorrym but thatnis short sighted and downright assanine. The absolutely worst thing that could happen is you find another Hildenberger. I have argued time and again that May should be auditioned as a SP still based on potential, experience being one previously, and what he flashed in 2015 and ST 2017 before his elbow broke down. And maybe he should be still. But he actually went to management thjs season and told them, while in recovery, that be felt he was better serving himself, and the team, by pitching out of the pen. At least for now. And after a couple rough appearances, he was lights out in Rochester and has looked great in the Twins pen thus far. HINT...maybe this is his calling! I have no agenda with Molitor or the FO at this time. But if we don't spend the next month and a half looking at these arms before the off season hits, I will have a major issue.

I missed the 5th inning so I can't really comment, can only read. While by no means dominate, he looked relaxed and in control the first 4 frames. I'd really like to see him get another couple of starts, especially with Mejia out, at least temporarily. What are we playing for at this point if not the future? Same goes for Gonsalves. At this point, do you work in a 6 man rotation? Or do you pull the plug on Santana? With roster expansion a couple weeks away, I'm not sure the answer is as easy as it appears.

I also want the kids to play, FWIW. I'd have Romero and Gonsalves in the rotation today. Mejia too, when off the DL.

NOT disagreeing with you at all! This team has a nucleus that shouldn't be denied. Just to be accurate, Santana would be 36 next season. My whole point was, forget age for a moment, what has Santana been most of his career, and what has he been the last 2 years for the Twins? Easy answer, pretty damn good. Is he done? Yeah, maybe he is. But again, lots of variables, we are not talking about a surgery and recovery for TJ or TOR or a hip or knee. Is he worth, maybe, a flier on a 1 year deal with incentives? Look, Gonsalves should already be up. Romero should be up and getting ready for 2019 as well. Pineda could be a big boost, but could find himself in the pen with May. (Not necessarily a bad thing) Mejia will be with the club as a starter, or in the pen. Thorpe has the potential to be as good or better than Gonsalves or Mejia. But unless we make some BIG FA move or trade move, we have some guys to work with and build around. Audition Santana for the rest of the season or not. Bring him back on a 1 year flier or not. Isn't it worth considering at least?

I never compared him to Maddox. I was speaking in general terms about pitchers in general who started with great stuff and learned to adapt over time, vs, pitchers who flamed out. Another 2 years removed from PED'S? That argument I would debate. Let's say it's true. Let's say allegations are fact. So if he's been clean for 2 years, that would mean all the good he's done the last 2 years were clean. I don't pretend to be an expert, but his surgery this year and so much time off would be a result of giving up PED'S 2 years ago? Again, not an expert, but my limited medical knowledge is that steroids and PED'S wash out of the system in days/weeks/months at longest. So his surgery on his finger, recovery time, etc, can be traced back to presumed PED usage over 2 years ago? Sorry, not going to buy it. I am NOT saying he should be signed on a 1 year. I think what the FO know/believes over the next month or so is what matters. I'm saying jts something to look at and consider. I am in the same camp as you: audition and play Mejia, Gonsalves and Romero. But I think it's worth at least discussing a return for a fully healthy Santana. Is there really anything to lose on a 1 year deal with incentives? 14 years as a ML SP with a winning record and solid numbers doesn't constitute as a great career, I will grant you that. I never said HOF career. Let's try to agree, at least, a very good career then. Some very good years, a few not so much. His first 2 seasons with the Twins, pretty damn good.

Pitching is about ability and pure stuff, at the end of the day. It's also about experience and knowledge. How many dynamic arms, over the years, have we all just seen flame out due to the inability to throw secondary stuff, or learn "how to pitch"? And how many guys have we seen that weren't flamethrowers but had that secondary stuff to succeed? And how many guys have we seen who used knowledge and command to offset a loss of velocity over time? Your answer would undoubtedly depend on age and how long you've been a baseball fan. The ultimate example, IMO, would be Greg Maddux, who began his career with dominate stuff, and finished with dominate stuff based on said control and pitchability. So where does Santana fit in this conversation? He's had a long and great career. He's been mostly steady his whole career. If you look at his numbers, his brief Twins career he has performed about as well as he ever has. I would never diminish a pitcher, or any athlete, undergoing surgery. Something is wrong/hurt, and you are attempting to correct it. But physically, Santana has always been in shape. Mentally, he's always been strong. I've heard rumors and whispers for some time now that age will catch up, and that he has a tendon just waiting to give out. A pitcher doesn't just need a healthy shoulder and elbow...along with hips, knees, etc...but something as simple as a wrist and fingers to control the ball and snap off his stuff. Considering his career, and his season last year...not to dimish surgery...but is it possible the velocity and such are still there waiting for a normal prep time? The Twins have financial flexibility, and prospects to trade, and talent in their nucleus to work with, that they could afford to bring Ervin back. Not at his $15M to be certain, but maybe on a cheaper 1 year deal with incentives. Unless there is something else going on physically, would it be such a bad move? Would you bet against him?

I will not even pretend to be able to break down all the analytics presented. Nor will I pretend to know exactly what adjustment Kepler still has to make. But I will speak about the eye test. He has a tremendous swing. And when he makes solid contact, out or not, he hits absolute laser beams. He also seems to have a good eye and doesn't chase much, and makes decent contact. I've always thought Max was a year behind his fellow age players due to his play in Germany vs a top HS program in the states. And he practically skipped AAA. Question: couldn't some of his numbers reflect hitting RHP so well until this season, and performing so poorly against LHP until this year skew his numbers somewhat? If he can maintain, somewhat at least, his improvement against LHP, and revert back to his previous performance against RHP, I believe we could see a big upward trend in 2019, possibly beginning here the second half of 2018. Talent and potential don't always win out, but he seems so natural with everything he does that I believe he is about ready to "break out".