DocBauer

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.

Absolutely LOVE watching Buck play! He's always been dynamite when healthy and I'm just so glad that he's finally found consistently good health the past 2 seasons. He's an absolute joy to watch and it sure looks like he's got a few more good seasons left in him. I mean, he's barely lost a step at 31yo. ABSOLUTELY want him to play his entire career with the Twins. Depth wise, I really don't understand why Roden couldn't be the #2 for the occasional day off, with Martin as sort of an emergency #3 option. Should Buck have any sort of injury that would keep him out for a couple weeks, Rodriguez is already on the 40 man, and it probably wouldn't be hard to add Jenkins to the 40 man either. Long term depth, Rodriguez and Jenkins aren't going to be in Buxton territory, but they appear to be very capable. Honestly, if the bat comes around over the next couple.if seasons, I'm not so sure Winokur might not be the best future replacement for CF. But with 4 picks in the top 80 or so in the next draft, I wouldn't mind a young CF prospect to be added.

I'm not saying I have this 100% correct, but I believe a player being optioned to AA, Mendez in this case, is more about procedure. He finished 2025 at AA, there are still roster restrictions at every level, and the MILB system is just starting to ramp up. And if you look up MILB rosters right now, you might be surprised who you'd see listed. Some pitchers still in camp are listed at AAA. Additional example: there is an OF listed on the Saints roster by name of Garret Spain, who is a 25yo journeyman OF who probably has zero chance to crack the St Paul roster crowded with OF talent. So if kept around, he probably goes to AA for depth. So Mendez probably takes his spot at AAA. It's as fluid as the Twins keeping guys and sending them down. Now, it's possible the Twins want Mendez to start the season in AA to work on playing 1B, as well as learning how to elevate the ball better despite his actual numbers from last season. But it's also possible he was sent to AA only as a procedure at this point.

I feel your angst. I really do. I really want the Twins to follow part of the path that teams like the Brewers and Rays tread where you aren't SCARED to let young players struggle and adapt and live with the results for the first half of a season. But I actually can understand these 2 cuts. Rodriguez, if I've heard correctly, has been K-ing about 40% right now. I don't know that I still wouldn't give him an opening day shot, but I can see rolling with Roden and seeing what he can do. I think the kid has a chance for a "nice" career as a 4th OF who can also play some 1B....he's done it before so why not now...who can bring a little bit of everything in his game. It allows a little more time for a healthy Rodriguez to ramp up and be the 1st man up when needed. Frankly, I'm OUT on Outman and Larnach and I want to see Roden and Martin get their opportunity.

Happy to see Ober healthy and throwing, and pain free. The negative is, reportedly, his velocity dipped in his 2nd inning. He NEEDS to SIT 91-92 and touch 93 once in a while. He's a damn good pitcher if he does that. For HIM, it's still early in ST. He's probably got 3 more games to stretch out, cut it loose, and get his mechanics right. He does that, no worries. Lee, reportedly, has changed his body. The weight/muscle distribution has changed. Supposedly, he looks quicker. I sure hope that's true, in addition to letting go of his instinct to step forward FIRST, something he said he recognized and was working on. He'll never be a great SS, but he can still get better. (He's still destined for 3B/2B or super utility). But he can only physically get so much better as a SS. What he CAN do is become the HITTER everyone thought he could be when drafted and listed as a top prospect. He actually might have a little more HR power than thought originally. But the "Miranda disease" of weak chasing contact has to be harnessed. Even with poor speed, he should have the ability to lace strong line drives for hits and 30 Dbls consistently with a DECENT AVG and acceptable OB%. He doesn't have to crank 20 HR...though I'm starting to believe he might have the potential to do so...but hitting .270 with a .320 OB with 30 Dbls and TEENS in HR makes him a fixture SOMEWHERE in the future, but really helps out AVERAGE defense at SS until someone replaces him there. Matthews has looked good until the other day. But it's only 1 game, and who knows what he was working on? Bradley has looked good. ABEL has looked DYNAMITE so far. BUT the question in ST is always, what lineup were you facing to do so well? And when you didn't throw so well, what were you working on? But Abel has really looked good. WHOEVER goes to St Paul as the #6 SP, it's not really a demotion. It's just a wait and see before you come up, because you're going to be needed, and you're going to spend a lot of the season with the parent club. On the downside; Topa has looked as bad as an pitcher I can remember in recent history. Is he working on something? Is he running in to bad luck? A combination? Only the Twins staff knows. His contract is small enough to just get rid of him. His experience says he still might make the final roster. A couple non roster arms have been much better so far. I think he's in danger of losing his spot. Rojas was never going to make the roster no matter what he did. He's got tremendous stuff and might rival Prielipp for potential. Like Prielipp, he's still not only learning how to pitch, he's also missed time in his brief career due to some injuries. BOTH will be in the Saints rotation for 2026, and both should be. But don't be surprised to see one of them in the Twins bullpen the 2nd half of 2026 at some point. A decision might have to be made at some point. Regarding Lewis, he's healthy and working on a different stance that is more quiet and loads differently than before. I think the new stance is going to pay dividends as he's finally feeling comfortable with the natural changes in his body post surgery and muscle gain. IMO, he just needs to stay healthy and keep doing what he's doing and he's going to be fine.

I will politely disagree. In my opinion, the miss was not finding a true, every day 1B from SOMEWHERE. That would have changed the complexion of the OF where Wallner could be the primary DH...still able to play some OF...and all the OF depth/numbers takes on a different look where we can add more speed and defense, without blocking debuts of Rodriguez, Jenkins, and Gonzalez later on. Just for a moment, Roden in RF, Martin in LF, and the whole debate about Outman goes away as he could still be a 4th OF type, easily replaced at any time. But at least we've added speed and defense with SOME offensive potential. Again, Wallner can still play a little OF as well. And there's room to platoon a little at DH for half days off. That might be more the configuration come 2027 at this point with the younger players and prospects debuting at various points this year. But WITHOUT adding that TRUE 1B, Bell offers a solid BAT, which is something the lineup needs. A solid, productive, ML BAT. Again, I don't like the roster construction, but that's not Bell's fault. That blame goes to ownership and the FO for bungling the offseason, even when there were some options late that might have changed the complexion of the team. But by himself, I like Bell as an addition for the lineup. Career wise, solid bat, solid OB%, good power, solid splits, solid OPS. This lineup really needed to add a BAT. And even if the plan was for Wallner to remain in RF for another season, I still like the addition of Bell for 2026. But again, I like him as a DH with a legitimate 1B ALSO being added. IMO, that really changes the whole complexion of the lineup as well as the roster. Just blows my mind that the second easiest spot on the field to upgrade the lineup/roster is so grossly ignored by our FO.

I seldom hold a player's age against him. Some guys debut young never to be seen again. Some debut older and turn out to have nice careers. Some debut...fall way back...and then find something different again in their approach and do well again. But in the case of Outman, I'm truly perplexed. He'll be 29yp come May and basically hasn't hit AT ALL at the ML level the past 2 years. So where does he fit with this club? Has he had good ST the past 2 years with the Dodgers? I honestly don't know. Roden had a great ST with the Jays last year, but didn't look good in his rookie debut. But not only was he a rookie, he had a pretty SSS to boot. But he's also having a really good ST, and he's 3yrs younger than Outman. So Outman is playing himself, possibly, on to the roster because he's a more natural CF? His defense didn't exactly impress late in 2025. Roden would seem to have more of a future with the club, but he might get sent down to AAA because he has options, to compete for playing time with Rodriguez, Jenkins, and Gonzalez? You might even throw Fedko in there. Meanwhile, the parent club also still has both Larnach and Wallner. What are we doing here? We're talking about a 29yo coming off 2 very poor ML seasons and bypassing a 26yo that we ALSO traded for last year because he's having a good ST but probably doesn't have a future with the team beyond this year even if he does well? Or do they plan on keeping him as a 4th OF beyond 2026? Well then why even have Roden around? Were Larnach moved tomorrow, there is STILL an over abundance of LH OF because you almost HAVE to keep Martin just to have another RH OF on hand. So 1 of Outman or Roden STILL doesn't fit. I guess the Twins see stuff daily that we don't that will HOPEFULLY get this all figured out. Maybe Outman really isn't impressing them as much as the OP suggests. Maybe Roden hasn't been showing them as much as they would like. Maybe Roden actually looks better to them than Outman does. The whole issue is confusing at best. I'm starting to believe Zoll will follow the Falvey path of not letting go of a veteran "too soon" and Outman will somehow make the club. So Roden has to fight with the AAA kids and hope he gets another shot if Outman sinks. Better to keep the veteran and have a numbers crunch at AAA, I guess. I'd error on the side of the future, were it me. I'd trust in Roden and Martin and move both Larnach and Outman and go younger, faster, and at least some potential and "risk" losing Outman to someone else and him having a solid 2026 elsewhere. The odds say he won't. But even if he does, that doesn't mean Roden won't have a solid year. That doesn't mean Martin won't build on his 2025. And you still have 2 of your top 4 prospects playing OF in St Paul, plus another top 10 prospect in Gonzalez, and another top 25 prospect in Rosario, plus a still somewhat interesting AAAA player in Fedko, plus 1B convert Mendez (top 12) who will also play at least some OF. And the ML bench could have Clemens, and possibly a mediocre Wagaman as possible corner OF options here and there. But we're concerned we might miss out on a 29yo LH OF who has been horrible the past 2 years because he's having a good ST? I mean, what are we doing here?