DocBauer

I really hate the "Well, if I had been in charge of the team earlier and the entire ownership situation had been settled earlier, we would have been able to address things differently" paraphrasing Tom Pohlad. THEY created the mess! Obviously, the pen is a mess. I'm as worried as anyone about how bad it might be. I have a sliver of HOPE, but I'm not sure I should. Hendricks is obviously not what he once was. I've been hoping for about 85-90% of what he was previously. He hasn't looked good, he hasn't looked terrible. He seems healthy. He's been throwing 94-95. Over the next couple of weeks can he raise that just a couple mph? If he can, we might get that 85-90%. And with his savy, maybe that's enough to be "decent". Rogers also isn't what he was. But he was having a solid year with the Cubs before his trade to the Reds. If he has enough "stuff" left to go along with experience, he has a chance to be "decent". Those aren't glowing HOPES, but "decent" is a hell of a lot better than lousy. Two of Banda, Chaffin, and Funderburk can at least allow some middle inning matchups that can be solid/decent. MORE of the Sands from 2024 and less of Sands in 2025 will make me feel a lot better. Topa has me worried. I guess he's healthy and his velocity is good. Has he just been tinkering and trying stuff? Because his camp has been horrendous. I guess his last couple of appearances have been better. Ramping up maybe? I sure hope that's it. But I don't want him anywhere the 8th inning. I know this sounds crazy optimistic, but I'm a little encouraged by Kent and Altavilla. They're both a little older, and don't have long track records, but they seem to have velocity and K ability. Could they be right time, place, and opportunity to settle as a couple power arms that might be...here's that word again..."decent"? Plainly, it sucks to ask for a "decent" bullpen instead of a GOOD one. But again, I'd take decent vs lousy. I've got some additional HOPE for later in the season where we might see a healthy Festa, and a transitioned Raya, and Lewis (also healthy), and Klein. I'm not so certain Klein isn't a viable backstop end SP option. But he's behind other arms and I think he might be a really good, hard throwing, multiple offering, solid K guy that might follow the Jax and Varland path in the pen. And even if it's temporary to limit IP and gain ML experience, Prielipp might be a later season option. (I also think CJ Culpepper is eventually headed to the pen, but not immediately). I know the whole mantra of "crap in one hand and wish on the other and see which one gets filled first". But I DO see some potential arms that might debut later in the season to help build a better pen for 2027 and beyond. I'm just hoping for a "decent" pen before any of them arrive to not destroy the 2026 season before it starts. I'm not exactly optimistic, but, I can at least see reasons to have HOPE.

He's at AAA as a just turned 21yo. He's got a great eye, a natural swing, and hard hit exit velocities. The power is there. It's learning when to turn on a ball. That comes with experience, the one thing he's still a little short on. He might end up a consistent 30HR guy. Or he might hit .300 with a .385+ OB% with 35 Dbls but "only" crank 25HR per season. I'd take that in a heartbeat. Let's not panic or loose any sleep for a while on his HR totals, OK?

I'm guessing he will always K a fair amount. But experience and a good eye will see his K % gradually drop to a more manageable number. Not have a high chase rate indicates he knows what he's doing up there. He just has to learn that ML pitchers have a lot better command that what he's seen so far in his career. So he's going to have to swing earlier in counts once in a while. The good news is he seems to understand that based on an early ST interview he gave. But if he can maintain that good eye for the zone, and not chase, pitchers will have to challenge him. It will be up to him to make them pay by swinging earlier in the count.

Prielipp: I think his staying a starter for now makes sense. He's still refining his 2 seamer and his new curveball. Being a starter allows for thst work to take place. And there's still real upside of him as a starting pitcher. Let's not forget, he's still working on the subtitles of actually pitching, like setting batters up. I have no doubt he could be a great reliever. And maybe he has his IP monitored by pitching out of the Twins pen at the end of the year. But I don't know that I agree with him being the closer. Hill: Great velocity, quality secondary offerings, 12K per 9, and a .196 AVERAGE against are all tremendous. A little more stamina, and get the BB down to around 3 puts him easily in the top 100 for 2027. It might also get him to AA at some point next season. Quick: He's very exciting. I think they got a top 20 talent as a steal. No question he sees A+ in 2026. But might he also reach AA late in the year? I think it's possible. Everyone is rightfully excited about Ellwanger. And it's hard not to be intrigued about Reitz if he can get all that 6' 11" moving smoothly. I believe I've heard he's already touching high 90's. But 5th rounder Matt Barr has my attention. Dominating the way he did at his JC and then being recruited to play at powerhouse Tennessee should have everyone watching him very closely. He's pretty young...19yo when drafted...but I think there's a lot of talent/projection there.

OK, this actually a FUN OP! I like the change from another "how bad is this, and what happens here". And "woe is is us". Again, this is kinda FUN. I'm changing the order. RODRIGUEZ: In ST we saw the best and the worst of him. The kid has quality defense, and he has a good eye. By his own admission he has to learn at the highest level he has to swing earlier than before because he can't just wait. I think we saw a glimpse of what he can do in ST. What I am excited for is a healthy, brief Winter league where he was productive, and a ST where he continued to be healthy and flashed his potential. He just needs to be a little more consistent in his approach. By his own words, be a little more aggressive in early counts because that might be the best pitch you see. I can see reasons for getting him ramped up at St Paul, and give Roden a chance to flash, and give Rodriguez a little more time to make the adjustments he's recognized and talked about. But I keep thinking about someone like the Brewers stud, somewhat comparable, Chouri who basically stunk early and adapted and then raked. I think a month or so from now he's ready and the Twins should make room and just live with the ups and downs. WORST RODRIGUEZ: He's a great OF who hits .220 with a .315 OB% and slams 30+ Dbls and 25HR with a few Trips and 12-15 SB, 20 once in a while. That's a great player. But he's CAPABLE of hitting .255 with a .350 OB%. HOUSTON: I never realized how good his glove was until I saw it in practice. He's NOT a small guy. So it's hard to believe the power he showed in his junior year before being drafted was a complete illusion. But that doesn't mean his BAT is, or should be about HR power. I LOVE his ability to work a count and have good OB ability, not K much, and work a count. I want him to be the HITTER he was in college with GOOD contact, stay away from the stuff you can't reach, and let his "natural" power lead to DOUBLES, and the occasional Triple. He's got the ability to steal some bases. But beyond that, he's a good base runner. MAYBE he's another Dozier who will develop HR power. But all he NEEDS to do is hit .250-.270 with an OB% of .320 with 30 Dbls, a few Trips, 8-10 HR and 15 SB to be REALLY GOOD. Better than that, he's a Bona Fide All Star! Less than that, he's a really good full time SS with speed and occasionally HR pop if he hits .240 with a .305 OB% along with 30 Dbls, a couple trips, 8HR, 15 SB . He's still really good if he does that. Here's hoping! LEBRON: Of course you are assuming he's the projected #3 pick. He's got #1 potential in many drafts, the way Jenkins would have been. Thankfully, the lottery didn't take the Twins out of the top 3 spots. And things may change between now and the draft. So Lebon makes sense. Within 2-3yrs the Twins could have Lebron, Houston, Cullpepper, Keaschall, Lee, Lewis, and a few other depth pieces making a tremendous Twins INF. And even IF Lewis is gone after 2018, you can see a hell of a good INF, not even including other prospects. So yeah, I can I see an INF without Lewis in the next couple of seasons...but I don't want to...I can see an INF that might be OK without him. But as much as we talk about the projection of Jenkins for the future, I'd gladly take a 75% future projection of Rodriguez ASAP. He doesn't have to reach his ceiling to be really good.

Can I just vent her for a moment first? This was an important need for the team. And this was the best they could come up with? Back in the 80's, they got Al Newman for next to nothing. He was never a great hitter, but he usually hit in the .220's with some speed and good defense wherever you put him. Internally, they had Reboulet and Mears...before he became a starter briefly...who could play solid defense and not completely embarras themselves at the plate. I believe they traded for Nick Punto?? I don't remember him costing much of anything. In recent history, they picked up Castro for free and got a nice surprise. I don't recall now who it was...and won't embarras myself by trying to remember and speculate...but a fellow poster offered up a collection of AAA SS/utility players that had SOME potential, maybe were blocked or getting a little old at 25-26yo, that might be available on a small deal, that at least offered up OPPORTUNITY to be a decent SS/utility option that might be added. And I had also stated...without naming names...early in the offseason that the FO should have some IMAGINATION and look for someone of that nature to be brought in. A mid market team...regardless of your yearly payroll...ALWAYS has to have IMAGINATION when building your team. So why in hell didn't they look for a 25-27yo SS/utility option that might be put there and cost little to acquire that had some talent who might be blocked, or a late bloomer, or someone else's #2 utility option, etc. OK. Rant over, let's get back to the regular programing. While history has shown offense is the choice above defense...generally speaking...when examining close players, I really do love and appreciate good defense. But that's not exactly what we're looking at here. We're looking at the least "offensive" choice here, meaning the adjective, as in "something smells poorly". I have NO DOUBT Kreidler is a good glove ballplayer. But he's hit around .236 for his MILB career with some speed. While a SSS, it's already been stated at the ML level he can't hit his way out of a wet paper bag. Can the Twins support a glove only player backing up SS/INF who hits at the level of a pitcher??? IDK care that Gray hits LH. We aren't looking for major offensive production from this spot. It's still a 75/25 split of RHSP vs LHSP. And as Greg pointed out, he can easily be placed in to a game against a RHSP to give Lee, Lewis, and Keaschall a day off. (So can Clemens at 2B). It doesn't stink that there is SOME pop in his bat, his defense doesn't stink, and he's played all 4 INF spots. But he's obviously nothing special. And then there's Arcia. At 31yo his glove is not what it once was, but he's not yet to the age where funeral arrangements need to be made. Maybe for his bat? But in 2023 he was still a very productive hitter. In 2024, his entire Quad slash line dropped considerably, with an OPS of .625. BUT, he still produced 41 XBH. So was he toast at that point? Kreidler and Gray might dream about that much pop/power. But then everything fell apart in 2025 between 2 teams and he was sent adrift in to FA as a "nobody" at this point. Deservedly so considering his numbers and a downfall in 2024. Why so much detail offered? To re-inforce how ridiculously this position has been handled this offseason. But to also state, grudgingly, that the "been there, done that" Arcia is PROBABLY the best choice. Again, at 31yo, you're betting on the glove being "decent". And you're betting the bat approaching "decency" based on past production. It's not crazy to think an experienced 31yo player MIGHT have a single decent season still in him. I'm not sure either, or both, of Gray and Kreidler survive DFA if cut to make room for Arcia. But it's more than that, as some BP arms need to be added as well. So at least one is going to be DFA, maybe both. And St Paul isn't exactly full up with INF talent. It wouldn't suck to have Kreidler or Gray around to fill out the Saints roster. Again, I think the FO BLEW the chance to make a minor move...maybe even in rule 5 to add someone other than a rule 5 catcher to only trade away for another A level prospect...but it's over and done at this point. I'm HOPING that NONE of this matters come summer. Not only might K-Pepper be ready, but the forgotten Schobel might be ready to contribute as a utility option. And we might just forget Arcia, Kreidler, and Gray. And I don't mean that that in a negative, mean way. I just mean we might forget how poorly the FO planned this out.

An interesting competition to be sure. But I'm not sure it really matters? Unless he himself is injured, the #6 guy...or "loser" in this competition...is going to start 20 games plus over the 6 month season. It's just the nature of the beast that is a marathon of a season. I would love to see both in the rotation, but that means someone else is hurt, and I never wish that for anyone. If I'm forced to pick, I'd pick Matthews. i say that because he's older, has nothing left to prove at AAA, and in theory that means he's EARNED the job and is ready to take the next step. That leaves the younger Abel...with less time at AAA than Matthews...as the next man up. And again, he'd still end up spending most of the season with the Twins anyway.

This team isn't exactly devoid of talent. But it needs reinforcements at multiple spots, and it's short of one starter. I DON'T want/agree with trading Greenard. HAVE to find a medium to keep him. IF he was moved, he brings back a #2 pick, probably. THAT pick has to be a younger, cheaper replacement that you'd BETTER GET RIGHT. IF he could bring back an additional 3rd or 4th round pick, I guess I listen more closely. But even if he's brought back, the draft priorities remain the same. In no order, the Vikings need a S, CB, ILB, DT, C, RB. But you will have a hard time getting all 6 spots filled in the first 3 rounds and 4 picks. I'd grab Britt-Taylor at CB in round 2 of FA and call CB good. Maybe there's a steal on day 3 you can develop, but you open next season basically set. Considering how few times the defense plays with 2 ILB, I think you can live with what you have, and look for depth later in the draft, or another 2nd tier FA. Even if Harry comes back for 1 more year...and he was still really good once ramped up following WHATEVER his mystery health problem was...you still need depth, and his replacement. So SAFETY is a priority in rounds 1-3. This team is CRAVING a long term answer at CENTER. So unless you believe someone like Dunker from IOWA will be sitting there in the 5th round, you'd better grab one early. I don't mind having Jones around for another cheap deal as a veteran RB who does everything well. But the clock is about to hit midnight. And there are some really nice RB available in round 3 even. Emmet Johnson...even though he needs to improve his pass blocking a bit more...is an ideal fit for the Vikings. But there are some other very interesting options. And while I really like the young DL on the roster, what they've done, and what they might do, I do think they need another talented option to be added. That's what I'd focus on. Bring in another solid CB and focus on S, C, DT, and RB. And use the rest of the draft for good athletes that you don't need to play in 2026 at CB, ILB, TE, and maybe a WR steal. Is there a Punter late you don't want to have to fight for post draft?

I don't like speaking for others, but I believe he's looking at Hendricks and Chaffin in the pen, Arcia as the backup SS/utility...based on experience...and then including Altavilla. Arcia remains a question mark. While the Twins like his experience, does he show ENOUGH with the glove and bat to take that spot over Kreidler...great glove and versatility who can't hit his way out of a wet paper bag...or Gray who can hit a little, play all 4 INF spots, but can he play an acceptable SS 2 times a week?

I commented much the same in previous posts, including moments ago in an OP that @Nick Nelsonposted. Jackson and Outman being gone and opening up 40 man spots make real sense. Chaffin needs a roster spot if kept. And I believe I may have forgotten Hendricks needed one as well. I think my brain may be getting fuzzy with all of these possible interations of the final roster, lol. MANY seasons, I would be very happy to see Rogers added, even at this point in his career, as well as Banda and Chaffin. But the younger Funderburk is having a quality ST following a really good 2 months to end 2025 that offers promise that he has turned a corner and might be a factor in the bullpen for the next few years. But he might get sent to St Paul to begin the season ONLY because he has options doesn't really compute with me. But let's ignore that for a moment and just address the RH side of the pen, which is SERIOUSLY LACKING. There is an actual chance that Hendricks throwing 95, with his secondary offerings and experience, might succeed at 85-90% of his previous self. We might have a few nail biting moments, but he might be solid. We've seen what Sands might be able to do with glimpses in 2023, a great 2024, and moments in 2025. At least the potential is there to be pretty good. Topa had a good game recently, but has had an AWFUL ST. But reports say the velocity is there. Has he been working on or trying something different? Only the coaches know. And his contract is easily removed considering it's value. But I still have a hard time seeing him not making the opening day roster at this point. But what else is there from the RH side? ANSWER: Not much! Festa and Lewis and Adams are out, and the other prospect arms are already gearing up in MILB camp. So far, Kent has looked pretty good. And he's on the 40 man. He might be a late bloomer, and Orze hasn't inspired much hope so far. Altavilla would need a 40 man spot. And as questionable as the Twins 40 man is, I'm still not certain who is any easy cut beyond Jackson and Outman. (There's a pretty good collection of prospects on the current 40 man). But despite a BB issue, Altavilla has a really solid HIT/IP number and decent K numbers. Reportedly, before he left for the Classic, he was throwing harder than he ever had before, sitting around 98-99. That's a lot to consider for a team desperate for RH arms that don't make you cringe when they come in to games. If Altavilla is cut, you can damn well expect another team grabbing him to be their 7th or 8th man at this point. IMO, the Twins can't afford to lose him. They desperately need at least a couple viable RH ML arms to work with WHAT THERE IS from the LH side, along with Hendricks, Sands, and MAYBE Topa to have a bullpen that doesn't completely SUCK to open the season. It's possible in 2 or 3 months that we see a healthy Festa and Lewis get their opportunity. (No guarantee they are great initially). We might see Rya have ACTUAL SUCCESS in his new role. And I have a belief that Klein might just surprise the hell out of people and be the next Varland. But AT THE LEAST you don't want to just give away winnable ballgames in bunches before reinforcements...that have a future...begin to arrive. I'm desperately hoping for COMPETENCE out of the bullpen. And while not a betting man, I'd bet Kent and Altavilla MIGHT help achieve that with the other arms projected to make the pen. At this point, who else is there? I agree with @stringer bellthat there's a chance for 4 additions needed to be added. Outman and Jackson should be gone. Altavilla requires another move. And IF the Twins decide Arcia should be the backup SS/utility player to begin the season, yet another move is required. Perhaps the currently injured/delayed Adams is a logical choice. Perhaps the Twins go with the NO HIT Kreidler as the 13th man simply because his defense and position versatility warrants a spot despite being an almost automatic out. (The guy hits like a NL pitcher back in the day). But if you have an arm, even a 33yo arm...think Stewart and Thielbar for a moment...that might ACTUALLY be able to get some hitters out, you've got to keep him.

IMO, the question is: Would the Twins be willing to live with a backup SS/utility player who hits like a pitcher...in previous days when they actually did bat...for his glove and versatility? At least to start the season? If the glove work as the 13th man is more important, it raises the bar for Roden to make the club. (Which he should anyway). And IF Larnach is out for a while, it also allows Wagaman to make the club, balancing the roster better.

I agree. Nobody was knocking on his door for a ML job. Pride could get in the way. But I can also see him looking at the Twins roster and realizing he's 1 injury away from coming up, probably.

I also have a lot of faith in Wallner. And he's been heating up. In regard to Lewis, my #1 concern is his being HEALTHY. And so far, he is. You know as well as me that ST results often mean beans in regard to the season for a veteran player. And Lewis IS a veteran. He's adjusted his stance and approach this offseason and has reportedly worked pretty hard at it. The fact he's still getting "comfortable" shouldn't be a big surprise. Now, fully healthy and May 1st comes along and he's hitting .220 with a poor OB% and little else showing, THEN I'll really worry, if not panic. The health appears to be there, and the work ethic is never in question, IMO. So I'm going to let things slide for a few more weeks before I throw up my hands.

First comment: No, no, no to Keaschall in LF. Let him get acclimated to 2B on a daily basis! However, it's very possible he's only getting looks there to see how well he's prepared. The rumor is they just want to knownhenis ready for late game/extra innings options if the lineup is shuffled during games. That does make some sense. Lost INF opportunities, IMO: With the INF being so light on depth, Clemens should be playing some 3B. He's played it previously, and he might at least be an emergency guy there. Wagaman can/has played some 3B at the ML level. Again, he can at least be an emergency option there. Maybe they're working behind the scenes with those two? I'd be getting them a little game action. Utility INF: My hunch is Arcia due to veteran status. Kreidler and Gray both have options and can be brought up at any time. The biggest issue is making room for Arcia on the 40 man. The Larnach/DH/1B issue: Forgetting the fact that most agree the roster just doesn't make sense with Larnach, if he IS hurt to begin the season, it might make room for Wagaman, which helps balance the roster. Then it comes down to Outman or Roden making the club. Does Roden and Martin getting so much CF time of late tell us Outman is far from assured that final spot? Bullpen: Kent might be taking Orze's spot. And that's probably the right call at this point. Supposedly, Topa's velocity is sitting good. So why such a bad camp? Is he just trying different things? I still think he opens with the club. An interesting "problem" might be Altavilla. He's nothing special, but he's got solid career ML numbers, even if the size of his career isn't very large. His camp velocity was reported as a career high, and he was good in SSSS before going to the Classic. He might be a surprise addition, and maybe should be. We are really short on the RH side in the pen. But he also would need a 40 man spot. Would he clear waivers? Not keeping him could be a real mistake. Funderburk is having a good ST, following a good 2 months to close out 2025. Is he really going to be sent down as the youngest LH in the pen? As someone who might have a few years ahead of him in the Twins pen? It doesn't make sense, but it could happen. Rotation: It's down to the more experienced Matthews and the younger Abel for the #5 spot. Matthews had a good game today, Sunday, working around a bad error or two. Whoever "loses" will still spend most of the season with the Twins before the year is done. So it might not matter much who wins the initial #5 spot. But I think it's a coin flip right now. I don't wish ANYONE to ever be injured. But IF Larnach can't start the season, it does allow the player roster to settle in to something that looks more balanced and makes more sense. Wagaman takes his spot opending day, and you keep Roden and "risk" losing Outman on waivers. IMO, that's an acceptable "risk" to keep the younger player with an actual future. Other than attempting to select the "best" of 3 poor/mediocre options for the utility spot, the position player portion of the roster makes about as much sense as you can have. An unusual problem: If Outman and Jackson are removed, 2 spots open up on the 40 man for Chaffin, and possibly Arcia. But there would have to be another move made to free up a spot for Altavilla if he he gets an opportunity to throw these final 10-11 days of camp. And why wouldn't you? A decent ML veteran having a solid camp, SSS, who's throwing 98 with solid career HIT/IP and K numbers...with some admitted BB issues...and you're scrambling for RH pen arms. In SOME final combination, you're going to have 3 LHRP. From the RH side you have Hendricks, Sands, Topa, and we'll say Kent makes it. Orze hasn't shown much, and has options. There's not much left folks. And you just can't have 4 LH options. It just makes ZERO sense. So maybe Altavilla makes it? Then where is your next cut to be able to add hum to the 40 man? Look, I'm NOT saying this is a great 40 man roster! I'm just saying, as imperfect as it is, I don't know who's the OBVIOUS cut. Now, what if Arcia is willing to go to AAA to start the season? Maybe he's got a player cut off day? So maybe the Twins decide Kreidler's glove outweighs his hitting like a pitcher? Or maybe Gray is the most "balanced" option of glove/bat to at least begin the season? Then you can add someone like Altavilla for a pen that is STARVING for a couple high velocity arms. It's really SAD that ST is winding down and we're trying to decide the "best of the worst" for backup SS/INF, and STILL trying to find enough decent RH arms for the pen that don't make you CRINGE when they come in to games.

The problem is there is nobody else in camp that makes any sense to be a 2-3 innings eater. Adams is out, and everyone else in camp would seem to be a 1 and occasionally a 2 IP option. And you have to believe they'll want at least one long option available.

Out of sight out of mind? I've got my eye on Dan Altavilla. While his ML career isn't extensive, he's been pretty solid. The hits pet 9 and K numbers are good. It's his BB that have been a bit of an issue. He was off to a solid start in camp before he left for the Classic. Reports are his velocity was up to a career high, sitting in the 98-99 range. Goodness knows this bullpen needs a couple half way decent RH options. So I'll be watching him along with Kent. I'm also wondering if Bowman has a shot to make the club as the the #8 man, the arm used for innings.

Regarding Murry, he's a STUD athlete. And he's put up some amazing numbers when healthy. He's basically Tarkenton x2. And I say that with all respect because he's also a Vilings fan since childhood. His signing sounds great on so many levels. But Geno Smith...stole away by the Jets...seemed to be the better option for KOC. CAN KOC adjust his offense to adjust for Murry? What's kinda crazy is that KOC is inventive. But HOW inventive is the question here. With any sort of decent blocking, the short Murray CAN throw the ball. But he's also dangerous rolling out, and when things break down. Assuming for a moment that Hockenson is actually healthy and ready to re-establish himself as a receiver, he might have the best collection of receivers he's ever had. I dare say that despite his signing, the most important thing the FO can do is find a legitimate CENTER, and also add a young RB to work with Jones and Mason. The potential is THERE even though he wasn't my first choice.

COMING IN A BIT LATE, SO HERE I GO: I'm fully in favor of the re-signing of Wilson. He's a little older, but he played DAMN well last season. And he sure didn't look like a guy who's tank was running low. I WAS surprised about bringing Pace back. But he's still young, he's not expensive, and I'm guessing Flores is not ready to give up on him yet. Pierre is a solid addition who has quality PFF numbers for his career. He projects as the best #3 CB we've had for a couple of years. Honestly, while I'd love to see a young corner drafted early, there's a handful of corners sitting there for round 2 in FA that I wouldn't mind adding. I'd jump on 26yo Taylor-Britt from Cincinnati as a #4 CB with a ton of talent and projection. He might be the next "Rogers" signing that is ready to break through. At worst he's a really nice #4 who fights Pierre for the #3 spot. I watched this kid for his career at Nebraska, and he's got an "it" factor that shouldn't be ignored. That might eliminate a need for a CB drafted in the first 3 rounds. That's a bonus that shouldn't cost much. There is NOW WAY I'd move Greenard unless the roster and payroll simply doesn't allow it. If he's actually moved, you have to get AT LEAST a 2nd round pick for him. Even then, one of your top picks have to be for ANOTHER EDGE player. So you get younger and cheaper, but you DAMN WELL better make a smart pick in the draft to find a potential fit because you just traded away a Pro Bowl player. With all due respect, I would have let Jones go. The ONLY reason I can see keeping him is to not pressure a rookie RB to be the #1 from day one. MAYBE that has merit, but I think it's a mistake. FA wise, there's a couple EDGE guys that make sense IF Greenard is traded. And again, there's a couple CB available that also make sense and are "affordable" in the 2nd wave of FA that are solid players with potential. I'd keep Greenard if at all possible. But other than depth options, temporarily ignoring the obvious 1 for 1 drafting of an EDGE player to "replace" Greenard, the path forward is open and obvious to me SIGN the next best CB available. That's Taylor-Britt. He won't cost a fortune. Now you have 4 viable CB, plus some interesting development CB on hand ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED at how many comments made are in regard to Harry hanging it up. Despite his age, and whatever health/physical issue held him back the first half of the season, he was still really good the last half of the year. Personally, I think he's got ONE MORE good season in him. And I'm hoping he agrees and comes back and prove to everyone how great he has been. That doesn't mean we shouldn't look at SAFETY as a draft choice in April. I just think we have the opportunity to ADD another solid CB and let the draft flow as it will and look for the best option for the future. **NOTE: FA SHOULD have the FO finding the best #3 OT available.

I know Gladden isn't everyone's cup of tea...or choice of adult beverage may be more accurate, lol...but I've always enjoyed him despite his rough edges. He doesn't do a great job of "painting a picture". And while much improved over the years, he's not great doing the play by play. But I've always enjoyed those rough edges, the dry sense of humor, the occasional biting comment, and a perspective of the game that comes from a former player, but almost sounds like a guy in the LF bleachers working on his 3rd beer, lol. He brings a very different "voice" that is different. He's the guy I have fun listening to because he's different, and who I'd love to have a beer...or two...after the game to talk about what we just watched. Congratulations Mr. Gladden for this honor!

I'll probably get pushback on this, nut he kind of reminds me of Trout, without as much power. A nig, strapping guy who just runs and moves better than you might expect. Or maybe he reminds me of a faster and more powerful Mauer? I agree with others that HR power will come with time. He's already bugging enough and strong enough, but there is a quality when you just learn when and how to turn on a ball and let it rip/fly. Healthy, I'd still expect the slightly older Rodriguez...already on the 40 man...to come up first when there's an opening. I do think we see him this year. And I'm as anxious as everyone to see him debut. The talent and potential are real. His future is really bright. But limited time at AAA, and barely turnes 21yo, I don't have a problem with him getting a little more time at St Paul to play a little more corner OF, and just work on the subtitles of his game. For instance, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him hit 3-4 HR in April, and then crank 6-7 in May. I think his bat/approach is probably right on the cusp of seeing a power jump. I dare to dream of him and Rodriguez flanking Buxton in 2027, with Gonzalez playing both corners and DH against LHP once in a while.

Totally understand where you're coming from, but if we ever truly have too many talented INF I would gladly accept that burden. But just for giggles, think about Lebron at 3B, Houston at SS, Culpepper at 2B, and Keaschall at 1B. Or Keaschall in LF/CF. Or Keaschall being an every day player who could play multiple positions. Lee might end up a 4 position super utility player. If Houston's bat never comes around? An INf of Culpepper, Lebron, Keaschall, and Houston is a glove first, good speed utility player. Maybe Lee remains that super utility option with Houston. Lewis could be a smart move to 1B in a couple of years. But then again, considering his agent, will he be in a Twins uniform after 2028 if his bat takes off?

(Sigh) Signing Bell for DH, not keeping Larnach, and actually adding a TRUE 1B would make this roster look soooo much better. My frustration overflows at ignorance of the obvious by the FO. (Sigh-again) In an ideal world, the 2027 OF will consist of Rodriguez, Buxton, Jenkins, Gonzalez, Wallner, and possibly/probably Roden and Martin as part of the configuration as well. The primary, starting 3 are obvious. Wallner becomes the primary DH, while also being an OK occasional corner OF. The RH side of DH doesn't really matter as it's only a factor about 25% of the time, so a reserve or primary player getting a half day off works just fine. But that's 2027, not this season. I will again say that I like Bell unto himself as a DH. For his career he's been solid from both sides of the plate and usually pretty productive. But he's just not a good 1B. And if Larnach is on the team, he and Bell have to end up playing some defense as well. So what ever happened to getting faster, more athletic, and improving defense? (Sigh-3rd time) It's too late to remake the roster at this point. You just have to figure out how to "use" the players on hand to the best of their ability, to create the best roster/lineup you can. Again, I like Bell as the primary DH, who can play 1B once in a while here and there as needed. He's no Cruz, but he's solid and productive in his career. And the lineup needs that. There is simply no room for Larnach on this roster. Not unless you want his mediocre/poor defense in LF 75% of the time...where the Twins also seem to believe he wears down and gets injured...and just dismiss Roden entirely, plus (gulp) Outman. Larnach needs to go for Martin, Roden, and possibly Outman to play LF, improve team speed, athleticism, and defense, provide 4th OF as a collection, and provide potential future value in the case of Roden and Martin. You also remove one roadblock for Rodriguez, Jenkins, and Gonzalez from arriving. Clemens, Wagaman, and Caratini to a smaller degree, can give the team a quasi functional 1B arrangement where Bell can be the primary DH. And that quasi functional platoon is no worse, and probably better, defensively vs Bell playing there daily. Clemens can still play other positions, as can Wagaman, and Caratini is obviously your #2 catcher. This isn't ideal by any means. But it's probably the best configuration of a bad situation. And once again, Bell is a solid DH unto himself. This allows that to happen.

I didn't like his selection initially as every write-up seemed to offer up enough questions that made him sound very unexciting. There were other options I liked better. Post draft, I suddenly started to read more about his speed, athleticism, and decent power potential than questions about such. It was then I discovered that the reason he didn't play SS until his junior season was K State had an upperclassman already locked in there. And then he goes out and has an outstanding 2025 to support the more optimistic post draft reports I came across. Houston's defense looks special. He's previously shown a good eye and good discipline at the plate, to go along with nice speed and good base running. He doesn't have to be a great hitter to be a real asset. So it's possible that he supplants Culpepper as the #1 SS no matter how well KC plays the position. Better defense and improved offense from Lee would be a very good thing. It allows him to still have a nice future elsewhere in the INF, or as a nice super utility player. Even still, K-Pepper should be a defensive improvement, even should he prove to be the temporary #1 in the event Houston's bat plays. Im not saying Culpepper can't be a quality ML SS. I'm just saying he's talented and exciting and more than likely an upgrade over Lee. And he's got an exciting future even IF his final position turns out to be 2B or 3B because Houston develops as hoped and brings his outstanding glove to Minnesota. He's going to be a starter, and a good one, somewhere in the Twins INF

Despite some flaws in his hitting approach, it's really tough to argue against a 19yo at A+ hitting at league average. He reigns that approach of "trying to contact everything" and becomes a little more selective, we could see a nice jump in his quad slash line. Catching is hard. If he doesn't get any bigger, he can learn the subtleties of blocking better, and harnessing his throws to be a little more on target. Just hard for me to worry about a 19yo catcher still learning the position. If those same issues don't improve when he reaches AA in 2027, I'll start to be concerned. 2026 is by no means a make or break season for someone so young. And catchers often take a little longer to develop just due to the nature of the position. I do think seeing small improvements over this season do indicate optimism. No improvement, or any regression, might temper hopeful expectations however. But even small improvement should keep his prospect status and projection pretty high.

There's a long way to go before the draft, and players will rise and fall in the rankings. There are others besides the 3 SS having great seasons so far. Unfortunately, there is a powerful LHP...can’t recall his name at the moment...who has scary good potential who is now hurt. But coming in to the season, the top 3 was set with those SS, and probably in the order presented. Emerson has drawn comparisons to Witt Jr. And there's even a 4th, Lombard, younger son of the Tigers coach, that could sneak in to the top of the draft as well. Tons of talent. I don't know about Lebron having difficulty in the SEC last season. Perhaps there was an issue? IDK. But from what I have heard about him, I'd be very happy to have him as the Twins pick. I just don't see Emerson sliding to them. If Lebron is for real, he'd probably be a pretty fast mover. It's tantalizing to think about him, K-Pepper, Houston, and Keaschall all young and up around the same time/age. And I haven't given up on Lee's bat maturing and giving him a spot/role. Might Lewis be around beyond 2028 and maybe playing 1B? The INF could be really interesting in the near future. Maybe as interesting as the potential of the OF.