DocBauer

Not going to blast Grossman so early in the season and a couple mediocre plays...(the double would be hard for most guys to have reached)...but even SSS he just hasn't looked good. Time to think about both Granite and LaMarre And move on?

OK...now this game smells.

I didn't mind sending Lynn out there. I object to not pulling him out after the walk.

SWEET double play!

Lynn arrived at camp late. The Twins have had, what, 5 games post poned thus far? I believe the PR games and this one are the only games played above 40 degrees with the others in the 30's and missed with rain and snow. Batting practice has been almost non-existent. And they have a winning record to this point. I am remaining calm.

Thanks Huddy! Probably the only channel I didn't try.

Game is not televised????

OK...it makes sense now. Not enough werewolves on the team. Mid-season trade for a couple?

Personally, I've always felt being a HOF inductee comes down to more than just numbers. I mean, decade by decade there have been different tendencies in ALL sports. Football used to be fewer games, much more rigid rules concerning things like pass defense, and the game evolved in to a passing first sport. So comparing pkayers from different eras becomes problematic. For example, all the records Manning and Favre broke were set by Tarkenton in a different style and ERA of play. Are they truly better QBs? Baseball has also had different eras of small ball, dead ball, steroids, HR ball, etc. So numbers are great to compare in any sport and any ERA. And they are important. But to me, one primary criteria has always been: "for the time a player played, was he one of the best in the league, and at his position, for an extended period of time?" If you examine the "numbers" posted above in comparison to those other great players and catchers, Mauer's numbers are even more impressive than just my memory recall. Then there are All Star games, 6 to be exact. The three batting titles, which is pretty amazing by itself, all the more so being a catcher. Then there is the MVP, 3 Gold Gloves and 5 Silver Slugger awards. Pretty impressive stuff. The injury factor is what holds Joe's case back, somewhat, unfortunately. I often think of fellow Twins great Tony Oliva when I think of Mauer. For years the argument has been made that Oliva might just be the best ballplayer not elected to the HOF, and everyone knows jts due to injuries that curtailed his career. Despite all his impressive accomplishments, does Mauer get "credit" for "what might have been" due to his concussions? It's a topic that 10 years ago wouldn't have even been discussed. But now? Further, and I hate to even touch on this, but post-steroids ERA, does he get a little more credit for being such a good guy and clean player? I know it's sports politics, but we've witnessed the reverse trend in regard to other players listed as tainted. For 9 season's the argument could be made he was the best overall catcher in baseball. That, his awards, the numbers listed above, would tell me he is deserving. Now, his 2017 re-surgance and over all re-invention as a top fielding 1B, and a repeat performance this season, (And he's off to a he'll of a start in 2018), plus another year or two similar season's, maybe with a Gold Glove thrown in, (I think he deserved it last year), and his case is only strengthened. I don't know if he will make it, but 9 years as probably, arguably, the best overall player at his position is HOF worthy. At least, he should be seriously considered.

Always been a Mauer fan, and never a hater. Never got down on him or blamed him for his injuries. Disappointed sure, but never down on him. To be fully transparent, at one time I thought he was done and should probably retire. His re-surgance has been a great story! As is this article! I have been frustrated at times for the lack of power for someone to big and naturally athletic, especially when I saw a ball right down the middle he let go by. (Usually followed by lacing a single somewhere or coaxing a BB). But his career and contributions as an outstanding hitter and defender, both behind the plate and at 1B, should never be discounted simply because he has never been a hulking power hitter. I spent a lot of years watching guys like Wally Joyner, Mark Grace and Keith Hernandez play 1B and contribute to their teams in so many ways despite not being the classic, slugging 1B. Add in what Joe accomplished as maybe the best pure hitting catcher of all time, and you have a ballplayer who's real greatness may be diminished, somewhat, only by unreal expectations placed on him. I truly hope he repeats what he did last season...and his early start is greatly encouraging this year...and does it for another couple of years to cement his place as one of the greatest Twins ever.

Glad you finished your article with his last half season improvement in 2017. For a moment I was going: "now wait a second here..." I have high hopes for him, all the more from all we've heard and read about his defense. I really hope his growrh6and improvement is enough to get him to Ft Myers for half a season.

Mauer has never been a power hitter, with the exception of his one season, as either a catcher or 1B. And he's not going to become one now. To be fair, he's been a pretty decent doubles hitter for most of his career. 1B is regarded as being a power position. But it doesn't have to be. If you have power in the OF, power at 3B, power at DH, (potentially now with Morrison), and power at 2B, (for NOW anyway), and even some power from other's in your lineup and bench, who says Mauer HAS to be replaced because he doesn't have HR power? He provides AVG, OB, contact, 2 strike ability, and stands in well against LHP. He also plays outstanding defense at 1B. SOMETHING has clearly changed in Mauer and it would clearly seem to be further healing and removal from his concussion issues. He's also been healthier since the move to 1B. Unless his 2017 season and start to this season are illusions, he should be brought back. At this point, nothing wrong going 1 year at a time. But I'd bet 2 years for around $10M per. And I'd think that would be very fair to all parties. As a side note, and not an attempt to change the thread, but Mauer at $10M and Dozier re-signed for $18M per would still be less than they are making combined this season, (approximately $33M I believe).

As to May...since he's been brought up here...he's been a hard luck case, and probably mishandled in his Twins career. I'm not trying to open up a can of worms again, but he was showing signs of rounding in to a nice, solid SP a couple of years ago when Gardenhire moved him to the pen over Pelfrey. His back issues may or may not have been related to adjusting to the pen in 2016, but it happened nonetheless. But he was looking really good in ST 2017 before his elbow gave out. Hell, he even finished his inning with his elbow shredded. Is he going to come back and save the day? Probably not. And we all know it takes some time to get the full feel of your pitches back. But he's got some quality stuff, and some potential still. Potential to help this season and even more next, like Pineda. Don't count on him, but don't dismiss him.

Look, I'm not a doctor...its only a nickname...but I'm disappointed. Not worried, just disappointed. I get a pitcher's hand/fingers are important, but thjs was a clean-up procedure, yes? Not TJ, not a labrum or a ripped up knee. It may take time get a "feel" for everything again, as well as build up full arm strength, but this guy is a proven commodity. He's had a solid career, and has been good to excellent since joining the Twins. He had one of his best season's last year while pitching with discomfort in his finger. He is now, from reports I've seen, gripping the ball and playing catch. Call me an optimist if you want, but I'd think when he gets cranked up, eventually, having a healthier finger could make him more effective than last season. I am very disappointed he's going to miss the first month, maybe two, if this season. And maybe he even struggles a couple times out of the gate, but I'm just not worried at this point.

Been saying for a while now how much i love this kid and how opposed I was to rumors of trading him. His bat speed is excellent! (Swear I can barely see the bat through the zone on his walk off homer today)! The smooth stroke and nice hands show, he's going to hit LH pitching better and better. There is an obsession with launch angles in regard to HR power. And it makes sense. Data supports fly balls vs grounders as being more productive overall. But when you can just RIP balls the way Kepler does at times, I don't give a crap what the actual angle is. He just hits laser beams....sharks or no sharks, LOL or like if you get the reference...whether it be singles, doubles, triples or homers. He just needs time. Tons of talent, especially raw when he was signed, only 25 and still less than a 1,000 ML AB.

SSS to be sure. We're all just excited to have baseball back, but we also have to temper a few things, IMO, chief amongst them any "bad starts" by anyone in the first 10 games of a very long season. 6-4 to begin the season, amidst some horrible conditions and little to no batting practice, and an even split of away vs home games. I'm totally fine with that! The offense shows real explosive ability and some guys aren't even warm yet, much less hot. We've seen a mix of good pitching and some not so great pitching. Some argue pitching in poor conditions, and some argue both teams play in the same conditions. I'd simply state: 6-4 to start with half the games on the road. Nothing bad there. Again, SSS, but other than missing Santana and getting a couple guys warmed up...on the mound and at the plate...my only concern is the bullpen. Whether you are a fan or not, despite occasional bouts of WTH, Rodney HAS a very successful career and track record. As does Duke, who has been wild but also SO a bunch of guys. Reed has been great, Pressly has looked as good as ever. My concern is the DEPTH right now. Can Moya be trusted? Is Molitor ready to trust him? And what about Kinley? The arm is intriguing to be sure, but especially so early in the season...cold weather, SP still warming up, etc...can you really "hide" two guys? It's not about who has left. Not at this point. It's about playing the cards you have in hand.

As a coffee AND Mt Dew lover, Dew is good anytime, anywhere! Of course, a good beer or two is good a lot of days past noon. After all, it's always 5:00 somewhere. Lol

Weather is ALWAYS unpredictable year to year, and pays not attention to the baseball season. Still, I have to wonder if baseball should consider more scheduled double headers with a week or so later starting time to combat mother nature. (Perhaps with an enlarged roster or greater roster flexibility). Couple thoughts on some guys mentioned here: 1] Can Blenkenhorn ever find a position? I'm speculating from his movement that he just CAN'T play 3B. Is it really so early in his career to give up on him there? 2] Whitefield may be one of the most intriguing prospects in the entire system. Foreign country, late to baseball, and from all reports you read...actually a lot like Kepler...a tremendous and natural athlete. I have a hunch this kid is going to just explode one of these days...maybe this season...and be a 5 tool potential in the top 15 for a deep system.

First, great read! Thank you for the effort! But more to the point of the article and it's intent. Catcher might be the single most difficult position in any sport to truly quantify. When you have the rare one who is truly special, and they are few and far between, like a Rodriguez, Mauer or Posey, you can clearly see they can do it all. If you wish to compare other sports, in many ways they are the point guard of basketball in setting things in motion. A football comparison would seem to dictate they are both center and QB. Yes, the pitcher is paramount, but the catcher is at least partially responsible for what is called and does the grunt work of a lineman. (Weird analogies I know, but I think there is a reference there worth considering). As the article points out, some defensive metrics that apply to other positions don't fit the position due to the various complexities involved. Can you truly measure game calling? Can you truly the pitching staff's comfort level with said Catcher? Crash Davis may be a fictional character, but the great stories BillBrown69 shared are worth considering in regard to handling a pitcher. We often talk about pitchers knowing/learning how to attack a batter. But this knowledge/growth is also true about a quality catcher. He also has to receive well and block the plate. At least a decent arm is required. Offense is great, but it's still a defensive position. I actually like Castro quite a bit. What's most important is, I think the staff likes him. My only real complaint is he seems to run a little hit and cold as a hitter, but that's nit-picking a bit. I can't say I know enough about Garver to accurately comment on his defense except to say this: the few times I've watched him behind the plate I thought he moved well, and be has a gun. Reports are his game calling and defense have continued to improve. Offensively, he seems to have above or well above average potential. I know catcher isn't strictly a platoon position, but I really like the potential of our current pair. I hope Molitor doesn't run a strict platoon, as that would hinder Barber's development, but I also hope he's not afraid to play the matchup game where it allows him to. Call me crazy, but I have hopes for quality defense along with 16HR and 30 doubles from the combination of the proven get and the developing understudy.

This team could entertain the Rochester fans and win some games. And there are a few pretty good prospects here, most notably on the mound. And there are a few guys who could help the Twins this season. But this team will be a lot more interesting when Jorge, Gonsalves, Wade and Gordon get moved up!

1] So far so good. We've seen some great SP and some not so great SP, but every day won't be great/good. The pen has looked pretty awesome so far. Even in the game where Duke gave up those runs he SO 4! 2] The power on this team is real and Morrison hasn't even got cranked up yet. 3] As a TEAM they are starting off where they left it last season, playing as a team in all facets and getting it done. There is a lot of confidence in these guys. 4] Hats off to Garver for his first ML HR! Am I the only one who believes if Molitor uses his catching "platoon" correctly we could get 30 doubles and 16-18 HR combined this year?

I like the looks of this team a lot but admit to being a bit disappointed in the roster. I'm certain Gonsalves, Wade and Gordon will all be up to Rochester soon. And I get the initial roster crunch to hold on to a couple guys "just in case" to begin the season. But still a little disappointed these three will begin at AA.

Is it OK to say I'm just as excited for the rosters of the milb teams and the start of their seasons?

You have a valid point here. I'd think his previous back concerns would make him a better closer, potentially, than trying to pitch a couple of innings. Still, there could be concern about back to back days. I really think he has the stuff to be a solid rotation piece. His injury last season may have been the single biggest "bummer" on an otherwise very nice 2017 season. He looked really good in ST and seemed poised to be part of the rotation.

Save % wise, Rodney has been at his best the past 4 seasons. Rees and Duke were really good additions! We still haven't seen the best of Pressly yet, IMO, and hope we get to. But he's not in high leverage spots, at least to begin with. Not a and Kinsley are the question marks, but there is intriguing potential in both, despite being very different pitchers. Like the depth. Can't wait for May and Curtiss. I don't mind losing Bard, Burdi or Chargois. My problem is losing all 3 of them. I know you can't protect and keep everyone. And there was definitely an injury factor involved. Letting all 3 go is my concern/gripe.