DocBauer

Just to be clear, Matthews only had 3 earned runs against him before he left the game due to a blister on his foot. The bullpen was amazing . The bats seemed to wake up. What a wonderful debut for K-Pepper and his family! I honestly don't care whether he ends up at 2B or 3B eventually being replaced by Houston. He is a LEGIT 20/20 with 30+ Dbls potential. But TONIGHT was his debut. And you couldn't ask for a better one.

I've thought about this all day. I like Lee at 3B. His arm is average, but his reactions are good, his hands are good, his glove to hand is good, and his throws are accurate. He's also very good at off balance throws. The only thing he lacks at 3B is a better than average arm. I think his defense at 3B only gets better the more he sticks at 3B. Frankly, I'm really tired about discussions about his offense. This is ONLY his SECOND full season at the ML level. And while he STILL isn't the HITTER we hoped for, he's slowly started to provide a better quad slash line year to year. Currently, even with an opening hot streak, followed by a cold steak, he's still on schedule for 22DBls and 21HR and 78 RBI. He SHOULD have a better AVG and OB % based on his projections and profile. But he's also on a bit of an upswing. I'd rather run with Lee at 3B for 2027 and see if he could take the next step offensively. And while I think KC can play a very solid SS, I would just give Houston the SS job to open 2027. At some point, the FO has to realize defense and potential means more than an immediate ceiling. Is there a better example than the team the Twins are playing currently in the Brewers? You do realize that Chourio, while an OF and NOT an INF remains an example for the Twins to follow. It's OK to promote TOP prospects when they seem ready, or barely ready. Whether Opening Day or not, this SHOULD be the OD roster. INF: Lee, Houston, Culpepper, Lewis. RUN WITH IT! Offensively and Defensively, this IS the best option. C: Caratini and Jackson, unless we lose Jackson and look elsewhere. OF: Jenkins. Buxton, Rodriguez, and Keaschall. It's time for Jenkins. Buxton is Buxton, but he might spend little more tine at DH. And good or bad, Rodriguez FINALLY DEBUTS because he HAS TO Is that such a bad thing? UTILITY: Kreidler is the SU because he plays SS very well. Clemens becomes more of what he SHOULD BE, though I HOPE it doesn't mess with his bat. He plays almost every day between 5 position and DH. But once again, the FO should have the guts and future prospective to examine not only potential but reality. Rodriguez is ready, whether you like it or not. And honestly, you might be blind if you don't see that you have a tremendous double play keystone combo for the next several years

So Rojas got sent down? How he's going to be used is my question. Keep him stretched out? Maybe, even though Matthews is there also. Or do they begin his transition to a back end RP?

For purposes of this exercise, I'm excluding an ownership that blew the offseason with an old analogy of a monkey having sex with a football. I am focusing only on what took place. ***A caveat that team owner Tom Polad has already commented he expects to raise payroll for 2027. Take that for what it's worth at this point. But it does represent a comment or two from me 1] MINTER: I really liked his addition. It's doubtful Amick ever combines power with contact to be a ML regular. Right or wrong, I've just never been sold on Agbayani. I just don't see a single skill that makes him a top prospect. I grade this a B+ for Minter still being good, just not as good as he was. But, his velocity was 94-95 last time I saw him throw for the Twins. I seriously doubt he gets another 2yr $22M type of deal next offseason. Banda is under team control next season and probably doesn't get a major raise. If Minter is resigned, he and Banda offer up a hell of a good looking 1-2 punch from the LH side. Maybe 2yrs and $12-14M? That makes this an A grade. 2] HOFFMAN: He was an ideal target for me until I saw his contract. I was thrilled when they got him. He's very good, despite a rough April. Crap happens. His peripherals are excellent. They absorbed the rest of his contract this season, like Minter...which is something the Twins have never done much of previously...and get $ back to buy down his 2027 salary. Klein is interesting because the Twins never gave him a chance to just throw 1 inning and see what you might have. But he's also NOT another Varland. The Pena kid is a low level flyer. I DIDN'T want to lose Hill for anything other than a controlable SP. His upside is too tantalizing to give up for anything more. So maybe we over paid POTENTIALLY. And this is NOT revelationally thinking, weren't we all, as Twins fans, more than a little concerned about his regression this season? He's averaging something like 8 BB per 9 IP. There's still a chance he rebounds, puts it all together, and we hate this trade 4 years from now. But a lot can change 3-4 years from now. We have Hoffman for NOW, to see how 2026 finishes, and for 2027 where I think the Twins will be a better team overall. So I'm giving this trade an A for immediacy, and not downgrading for what MIGHT happen 3-4yrs from now. 3] KREMER: IF Kremer, still only 30yo, and coming off an injury and still working his way back, is "fixable" in whatever way that matters, and suddenly looks like the pitcher he was from 2022 to 2025, the Twins got a potential steal here. For 5 seasons he was a solid, competent SP. Even his first few starts this season were solid. His last couple were horrible! Personally, I would have included Hill and Gonzalez/Wentz and another solid, lower prospect for a younger arm with control. Obviously, the Twins didn't see it that way. They were looking for a decent arm to make sure we could sustain the current level of TEAM performance, with a better bullpen, to continue winning series after series. This was also a baffle to allow Prielipp to monitor his IP, but maybe also to give Ryan a little time as well as off days play out. I don't hate Kremler's addition. I think those who look at his 2026 numbers and not not his career numbers will be the LOUD opponents to this trade. But if he settles down and pitches like most of his career, some might change their mindset. The fact that he's also controllable in 2027 also shouldn't be ignored. THIS season should prove you can never have enough depth. Personally, BEFORE the Hoffman signing, I would have included Hill and another top 7-10 prospect to get a SP with control. The Twins didn't see that. And I understand why. THEY are seeing what's on hand, and what's coming. THEY are sold Ryan will get his stuff together still. And THEY didn't want to sacrifice anything more for TOMORROW than they already did. Reyes for Kremler could come back to haunt. Maybe. But if Kremler is suddenly the pitcher he's been for the previous 5yrs, we get someone who can help "rest" the rotation for 2026, but also possibly help the #5 spot in 2027. I'm not a lover or hater of this trade. Objectively, he's a "C" addition. IF he suddenly throws like he did his previous 5 seasons, he's a B-. He helps this season only to eat IP, potentially. But he also allows for another depth piece for 2027, potentially.

Great catch by Rodriguez! He's probably a couple weeks away from a promotion, but he needs the opportunity to get hus feet wet at the ML level before the season is done. Word has it he probably doesn't get rewarded an extra option year. It's always a little fun this time of year to see a large number of promotions for prosoects to get a taste of the next level. But keep an eye on Merit Jones, who just advanced to CR. The Twins drafted him in the 20th round in 2024 and he went unsigned. He went back to Utah for this season, actually had a worse 2025 than 2024, but the Twins grabbed the tall RH in the 14th round this season. So they really like something about him. He had a really nice debut for Ft Myers this season and definitely flashed.

I'm not saying Keaschall can't work really hard on his 2B defense and end up there still. In fact, I hope he puts in a TON of work there in the offseason. If nothing else, it just makes him more "usable" there going forward. But my current belief is the Twins are done with him at 2B as his primary position. Despite obvious growing pains, I really like what I've seen from him in the OF, even if he's making some mistakes and learning on the fly, some MILB time in the OF not withstanding. I've sort of adopted the thinking of Gleeman that a Super Utility player is someone who plays SS, like Kreidler. While a Utility player is someone who can play multiple positions solidly, just not SS. With the improvement he's made with his bat and glove, I'm liking Lee more and more at SS and the more athletic Culpepper at 2B. And Lewis as the primary 1B. Clemens can provide solid play at 5 spots, and Keaschall potentially the same, as he's also played a little 1B in the minors. It wouldn't hurt if he was a 3rd option at 1B just for roster/lineup flexibility. That's a really good looking INF with a trio of SU and U players backing up, filling in, all capable of playing some OF as well.

I agree with all points in principle. Now that the deadline has passed, Jackson will hopefully slide through and go back to St Paul. I wouldn't mind having around in 2027. But if he's claimed, finding another #2 option behind the plate next year is just something we'll have to do in the offseason. I've become a fan of Kreidler and love his glove work and hustle. Though his bat has cooled down, he's still performing way better than his career numbers previously at both the ML and MILB levels. But having him as the SU makes the bench a lot more flexible and deeper. My only concern is are Culpepper and Jenkins actually ready? Or do a couple more weeks make them more ready? Looks like KC might be heating up after his cold return from the IL. And yes, it appears Jenkins is probably ready. But I want them up only if the FO and coaches believe they are ready, and not grasping for someone to kick start the offense. I'd like that to happen, but I'm more concerned about what's best for THEM. I struggle somewhat on Wallner replacing Roden. I'm still not certain if Roden has gotten a fair shake yet. I like his defense and he takes great AB. And only the Twins know if Wallner has tightened up holes and begun to catch up to high velocity or not. Or is he still just pounding AAA mistakes? Finding playing time for him, and Larnach, and Bell is going to be tough. And this coming from a fan of Wallner's. So if the Twins believe K-Pepper and Jenkins are ready for the next step, let's see it happen. I'm just not certain if it's time for Wallner again.

I wasn't concerned when he did poorly at CR to end last season. I've just never seen it be uncommon to sit for a few weeks or couple of months, get drafted, report, do well initially, and then slump. It's adapting to daily play as well as getting amped back up again. We basically saw K-Pepper do the same thing. I liked his approach and overall athleticism. And he's not a small guy, so I figured some pop/power would come naturally. But I wasn't expecting him to do THIS well so quickly. And performing even better at AA than A+! Originally I thought he might be ready mid 2027 if everything went well. But I'm starting to wonder if we aren't talking the first third of next season, if not possibly Opening Day. Unexpected, but I don't think it's crazy. I hear a lot of talk about K-Pepper becoming the next Twins 3B. And I have no doubt he could be good there. But I've been pleased by Lee's play at 3B and it should only get stronger. Wouldn't we prefer the more athletic KC at 2B to create a great DP combo with Houston?

A definite NO to Garver. I think he's about done, and there's no way to fit him on the roster. Soler's past bat and power would be a great addition. But he hasn't been good for 2 years. (Or healthy). So I just don't know if there's a lot of hope there. But Refsnyder was still good last year before he went to Seattle. So maybe it's just a bad fit? Martin has been on a downward trend for some time now. I'd love to see Gonzalez, but is he ready? We sure could use a spark against LHP. I'd at least be tempted to give Refsnyder a look.

The Twins were never going to trade Jeffers unless they got an offer too tremendous to so nay NO to. You get that, right? He means too much to THIS SEASON. You just DON'T do this all the time. If you do, you mess with the organization as a whole. But for THIS SEASON he's too important to let go. You can debate all you want to about prospects vs keeping him. But he was never going in a trade unless it was an overwhelming offer. Reports are he will reject a QO offer. That means the Twins can bid for him, or just accept another top 40 ish pick for him entering FA. But he's too important of a player for THIS SEASON for the Twins to have moved him.

So after reading all 9 pages, I've decided to just say what I want to say and be done with it. IMO, the Twins had 3 targets to hit. A LHRP, a RHRP...both better than Nance with no insult intended...and they got both, and a solid, backend SP of SOME quality. I wouldn't have objected to a TOP rotation arm, but I ONLY wanted them to do that if they had additional control. This team/organization is not ready to sacrifice top prospects for a rental. Basically, they did all of the above. 1] MINTER is not the same guy who earned a rather crazy $11M per from the Mets. But that's the Mets being the Mets. He showed a solid 94 FB so far. And he's starting to change his repertoire with success. He may not be what he was, but he's still showing good results pre trade. Considering he's not ancient, and might still be rebounding a bit, I wouldn't be surprised if he starts hitting 94-95 before the season is done. I seriously doubt at 33yo he's going to get another crazy deal. MAN would I love him as a resign for a Twins team with a sub $100M scheduled 2027 payroll to complement Banda, under control, to give the Twins a really good LH duo for next season. I like acquiring him. 2] KREMER was NOT on my radar, but I'm not sure who else was without an over pay rental option. But I think he's a surprise to myself and everyone else. But let's pause for a moment to reflect. From 2022-2025 he was a very solid back end SP who had an ERA around 4 and was just a solid SP who won games and ate some IP. That's the kind of arm the team needs right now for depth. And it didn't cost much. And his first few starts this season...coming off injury if I understand correctly...he was throwing as well as he had previously. Then he had 2 really poor games. And that raised his ERA from sub 4 to over 6. So for those who don't like his addition, are you focused too much on 2 bad games? Or will you accept 4 really solid seasons and a handful of solid games before a couple of very poor performances? He's nothing special. But he's been solid in his career. I'm betting on a change of scenery, and the FO and coaching staff looking at his first 4.2 years and making a couple adjustments, and he reverts to his 2022-25 self. Again, nothing special. But a solid #4-5 SP has value. Especially considering our depth is basically gone at this point. BONUS points we have him for depth in 2027, even if he's not special. IF he was having his NORMAL pre 2026 season, I think a lot of posters would be at least a little excited about his addition. But FOCUS on BAD ERA after 2 POOR appearances are not the way to evaluate a pitcher. The Twins tweak a couple of things and we get the "normal" Kremler for the rest of the season, are you going to continue to complain about his acquisition? 3] I really wanted Hoffman. I've been pissed since 2023 when Coulombe and Hoffman were both in camp with the Twins and thought both should have been kept. (Shaking off anger)! I just didn't think the Twins would target him due to his 2027 salary. Does it matter that he allowed a big hit in 2025 that robbed the Jays? Is he to be defined by that? That's ridiculous! Nor should he be defined by a poor start to 2026. He's been his normal outstanding self the last couple of months. There's gas in the tank left. His numbers show that. I DON'T like loosing Hill. He's a tremendous prospect. While I don't want him to ever be good facing the Twins, the truth is he's a talented young arm with vast potential. And I wish him the best. But to all the naysayers, you do realize the future might make us hate trading away Reyes and Hill. But they also might never reach the ML level right? It's always a give and take guys. You have to give to acquire. I like what Zoll has done. He's overseen defensive changes in the lineup along with Shelton. And it's going to continue. But the only thing they didn't do was complete a smaller rumored trade to the Dodgers for OF Alex Call. He's a late development OF who can cover the entire OF with a good glove, and is tremendous against RHP. He's probably a better version of Martin. Other than that, I really like what the FO did.

Despite the injury risk, I would definitely have interest in Greene. He's too good, and too inexpensive, to not take a shot. And what if he's suddenly healthy for 80-90% of a season? I don't like the package proposed in the OP however. From the Twins perspective, I think K-Pepper is of great value to the future, even at 2B or 3B, with Houston as the starting SS. And from the Reds perspective, I'd be awfully excited about Rodriguez. Diaw is probably an OF, not a primary catcher, but maybe a #2? And his bat is really interesting. But maybe they'd rather have Mendez or Gonzalez? I can live with that. But if I'm the Reds, I'm probably asking for Rodriguez and Tait, and then a decent 2nd OF as part of the team. And perhaps that is Diaw. But you trade away Greene and the only arm you get back is Gallagher? I mean, no offense. I think he's got a chance to be a solid back end arm in the near future. But if I'm the Reds, I need an arm like Quick or Hill back as part of this deal. Or maybe one of those 2 AND Gallagher, along with Rodriguez and a 2nd bat? That's a steep price. But it might be worth it.

IMO: 1] We have another RHRP still coming, whether a trade of prospects or Larnach or a small package doesn't matter. 2] I won't advocate a trade of Larnach. But if it takes moving him to get something good, he's one of the easier guys to replace. Between a platoon of Roden/Martin in LF, Jenkins brought up, and/or Rodriguez brought up the end of August. I think Larnach has had maybe his best defensive season ever, but he's still only average. Considering what he's been doing at the plate since about May 1st and his speed, maybe Keaschall takes over the leadoff spot if Larnach is moved? Is it time? Again, not advocating a move of Larnach. But between young OF on hand, better speed and defense, higher ceilings, and not paying $7-8M for a platoon OF in 2027...(there's really NO CLUE how the new CBA is going to go)...he's the easiest veteran player to move that has value not named Jeffers. 3] I think Jeffers is kept. He's too important to this team/season. And if the reports we are hearing are correct, the Twins can offer him the QO knowing he will reject it for a longer term deal elsewhere, and the Twins recoup the draft pick for his rejection. 4] Just my hunch, but I don't see a trade for a front line or middle SP at this time. I can see it in the offseason, but I just don't see it happening now. It would feel almost "rushed" to me at this point. I think Zoll...if they make such a move...would prefer to make such a move after the season.

Don't want to put the cart before the horse, but do we start talking about BOTH Houston and Culpepper in the Twins INF opening day 2027? I thought mid year or so next season where it might happen. But the way Houston is progressing, would it be silly to think he might be ready game one? Lee, Houston, Culpepper, Lewis, with Kreidler and Clemens as utility options sounds really good to me. Nice to see Barr have such a great start. He was one of my favorite picks in the 2025 draft, and a potential steal IMO. Just miserable that so many arms from last year's draft are either injured, or began the year that way.

I guess I'm going to be in the minority here, but I actually like this trade. Remember when we needed IP in 2023 and turned to Dallas Keuchal and his 5.97 ERA as a street FA at 35yo? He helped somewhat, but he was limping along and throwing on guts and guile. If the Twins did, or still do, make a move for a serious, mid rotation SP, I was worried they would send away too much for a rental. And IMO, that would be wrong to do at this point and potentially cost too much for said rental. Now again, if they have the means to grab someone with control still from a team that is in sell mode, I can get on board with that. But at what cost? It just seems to me those kinds of trades usually occur in the offseason. Witness Arraez for Lopez. I didn't want the Twins to over spend for a 4th or 5th SP just to finish out the season. All I'm saying is, cool your jets, forget for a moment your imagination was going to bring in a top 3 SP on a steal from someone, and just examine this deal with a step back. 2022 through 2025 Kremer has been a decent, solid, back end SP. And he hasn't been bad in 2026 until recently. Unless there is a physical issue, the Twins obviously believe they can get him back on track again to what he was the previous 4 years. And what they are looking for...and many of us have speculated about this...is someone to stand up if anyone else gets injured, or when Prielipp hits an IP wall. I mean, at this point, other than Rojas being used as a 3-4 IP opener...hoping for more...the next guy in line is probably Galagher. And no offense, but he isn't ready for ML duty. Kremer gives us protection from injury, protection from Prielipp hitting a wall, and a solid 4th-5th rotation option if they can right his ship back to the course he was previously on. I don't want to see bullpen games over the next 2 months. And the cupboard is bare now at St Paul. This also might allow Prielipp to move to the bullpen in September where he could be a real weapon while controlling his IP. Kremer lengthens the rotation if he's not broken. And he might end up enhancing the bullpen as well. I 100% understand disappointment they didn't add a Ray, or Glausman as a rental. But that's going to cost a top 10-15 prospect plus an additional top 20 probably. And the Twins didn't want to do that. And I get that. I wouldn't do that either, unless it was someone we have control over for a couple of years. And while it could still happen, again, I think those kinds of deals usually happen better in the offseason. If they go out and grab another solid RH pen arm better than Nance to go along with Minter, coupled with the idea that Matthews, or Prielipp can also help the bullpen come September, they achieved a necessary goal tonight. Losing Reyes hurts somewhat. So did losing Amick and Agbayani to a degree. But you have to give up something to get something. Trades don't come free. And Reyes might turn out to be a very good player in time. But so might Amick and Agbayani. You can't just pick and choose what lost prospect might come back to haunt you. Only time will determine that. So far, Zoll has brought in a RHRP in Nance for nothing that helps a little. And then he brought in a solid LHRP in Minter that cost a single top 20 prospect, depending on who's list you look at. And now he's brought in a solid #4-5 SP to eat innings and keep the rotation afloat if there are any more injuries, or simply protecting Prielipp, even if said SP is currently in a funk. And it cost us an almost 19yo in the rookie league who has potential. Wanna bet against the Twins pitching staff to not get Kremer "right" again? I'd still like another solid RHRP arm regardless. MLB.com just had an interesting article about 6 sneaky good trade options that included 32yo Michael Petersen from Miami as a late bloomer with control that might come cheap. There might be others. I'm still expecting another pen arm soon. But I think you might be over reacting if you under sell Kremer as a solid, veteran arm to augment the rotation and get us over the finish line at least.

Absolutely no! He's a very poor 1B. He's either the Twins DH for the remainder of the season, or he's gone.

I really, really, didn't want to post this. The OP has already run off the rails as much as I've seen. But temptation to talk and share has always been a weakness, LOL. I have NO IDEA how Falvey vs Zoll became an issue here, but it has. And it's also become a Rocco vs Shelton debate. Look, I'm just going to be honest and lay all of my cards down and tell you I think Falvey was one of the best things to ever happen to the Twins in years! He had a vision. He changed the entire structure of the MILB system. He brought the Twins in to the 21st Century in so many ways. And he made a lot of great moves. In fact, almost all of the current 40 man roster and all of the prospects we debate about are a result of Falvey still the man in charge, and the scoutingstaff he put in charge.. And he was also the guy in control during 2019, 2020, and 2023 seasons. And it's never been his fault it ownership screwed things up. I'm just saying, you might want to pause for a moment before hating on Falvey and reflect on some REALLY GOOD seasons and a lot of fun times INCLUDING THIS SEASON where he assembled the roster, imperfect as it is. But it's HERE where I'm starting to wonder if Zoll isn't less paranoid about veteran depth and making moves. Under Zoll and Shelton, Lewis and Wallner were sent down. Lee was put in to 3B permanently. Kreidler was put at SS, finally, waiting for a healthy K-Pepper to take over when ready. Lewis has been moved to 1B which makes sense. And Lewis has adapted to 1B very well. And the move of Keaschall to the OF has started to make sense. The jury is still out on Zoll as the GM. It's going to take a little longer to see if he's THE GUY to lead this team forward. But I keep reflecting on all the defensive position changes that have taken place and wonder if we would have seen these changes under Falvey? Perhaps we're seeing a Zoll stamp on the team?

WOW has this OP really taken off in multiple directions! JENKINS: I LOVE Jenkins and can't wait to see him! I think I've made that very clear. And I am NOT opposed to bringing up young prospects and letting them play. Once again, I was championing for Rodriguez to be in the opening day OF this season immediately. And I wanted K-Pepper up before he had his glute-hip injury. And frankly, I think the Twins are better off pushing their TOP prospects the way Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Tampa do. My only consternation about promoting Jenkins NOW was that he was going to make some kick start difference and the Twins lost a "golden opportunity" to promote him while Buxton was out. Period. The shot Buck got needs him to rest for about 10-14 days to be effective. He'll get that. And then he'll probably be back. While it's true offseason rest...and a possible offseason procedure MIGHT be needed to alleviate some of his hip issue...it's about maintenance the rest of the season. I don't expect hum to be out long. So I'm still not certain bringing Jenkins up NOW actually provides some kick start for the lineup. When Buxton is back, I guess they send Roden back down again and keep Jenkins? OK, maybe. And I'm 100% going to admit that Jenkins' numbers have been above his season numbers since he came back of the IL. But until something changes on the roster, the still developing, wonderfully talented Jenkins would be splitting time with Buxton, Larnach, Keaschall, and Martin to some degree. And this is a team chasing a playoff spot, and possible division win. So all I've been saying is maybe this isn't the right time for Jenkins to debut. A week or two from now, I could change my opinion depending on what the Twins do. The fact that Clark has been promoted by Detroit, having a miserable and unexpectedly poor season has NOTHING to do with a promotion of Jenkins. That's just silly talk. GRAY: I'll say it AGAIN, I wish they had someone better to promote. Shelton is a fan, for some reason, but I'm not. With K-Pepper and Rodriguez barely off the IL, they just weren't viable candidates at this time. Period. Maybe soon, but not NOW. Personally, I would have brought Gonzalez up considering he's on the 40 man and we were facing a collection of LHP against the A's and Royals. He's been much better overall than his season numbers would indicate after a poor start. THAT might have been a lost opportunity! I believe Gray was brought up simply because they believe Buck's IL stint will be brief, and they wanted an INF to just give a day off here and there over the next 10-14 days for Lee and Kreidler, who have been playing daily, to get a rest. When Buck comes back, he's immediately sent down and you haven't messed with the 40 man pre trade deadline. Again, I'd rather see Gonzalez. And I'd love to see what Ross might do as a possible super utility option in the future instead of Gray, but then you're messing with the 40 man again. IMO, this only a temporary move right before the deadline and the FO just doesn't want to mess around with the 40 man YET. Plus, it does make some sense just for a day off here and there for a couple guys. KEASCHALL: I admit I was so adamant about keeping him at 2B for the entire season to allow him time to develop, and was probably wrong. He just looks like a natural OF. I know he's played some OF previously, and I know it hasn't been enough, but DAMN if he doesn't look natural out there with a little more time. And I'm even talking about CF. He's not even close to being a finished product out there in the grass. But he's even faster than I thought he was. And almost daily when you watch him play, you can see him "figuring it out" from routes to balls off the fence. I really like this kid a TON. It's not rhetoric to say he's a BALLPLAYER. Offensively, he's good now. I think a little more pop/power will come naturally, even though he won't be a true power hitter. But he doesn't have to be. Sorry to all the Martin fans out there...and I'm not a hater...there is a HUGE difference from what I've seen of Martin trying to play CF and what I've seen of Keaschall doing the same. I'm starting to LOVE the idea of Keaschall as an everyday player who can cover 5 spots, potentially, and be an OB machine at the top of the order. And I'm willing to live with a couple bad plays and growing pains because, again, damn, he sure looks like he could be outstanding with a little more time with some of the plays he's made.

Or moving Bell and put Larnach as the primary LH DH and open a spot in LF? Not saying for sure that they will, or should, but they could shore up the OF defense and still keep one of their most productive bats in the lineup and have room for Jenkins or Gonzalez or Rodriguez.

.244/ .300/ .493/ .793 quad slash line which includes 20 DBLs 5 Trips and 19 HR. He's also 7-2 in SB attempts for good measure. Yeah, I'd sure like to see a better OB%, but Clemens has really become a key component to this team both offensively and defensively with solid play at multiple positions. Classic story of a late bloomer? Right team at the right time? It sure seems that way. I found sharing a special footnote in history with only Babe Ruth especially interesting. But this game, this day, this finish was absolutely NUTS! Almost no hit, nobody on base with 2 outs, an 0-2 count with the bases suddenly full, a win that took the team back to .500 again, on the manager's birthday for goodness sake, and a walk off grand slam?? Hollywood would reject that script. Such is the magic of baseball. This will be something Clemens will be able to reflect on, savor, and share for the rest of his life.

I'm a little down on moving Amick. Still only his 2nd full season and a former 2nd rounder. He's shown he can make contact and hit without much power, and he's shown he can make poor contact with a lot of power. If he can put together bits of both the Mets might have a .240-.250 hitter with potential 30HR power. Still, he's not a primary prospect and he's behind a lot of other good bats. I like that the Twins seemingly didn't haggle over $, thus keeping the prospect cost down. Minter basically replaces Banda. I like that. Rogers now goes back to the "Coulombe" role of 1 out or 1 inning in the middle portion of the game. I like that too. It deepens the entire pen. I don't mind Nance as the 5th or 6th man in the pen, but that only happens with another addition, which I expect happens soon. I wouldn't mind if it was someone who had another season or two of control, but that also costs more to acquire. And that's fine if it happens. But I keep thinking back to Sergio Romo in 2019. He didn't cost much, still had some decent stuff, had tons of experience, and was brought back to help in 2020. Nothing says rentals can't be brought back next season if they're a good fit. Banda is still under team control and can reclaim his spot in 2027. Minter back, replacing Rogers, in that middle innings role sounds intriguing to me. But someone better than Nance not only deepens the pen, but maybe takes a little pressure off Morris and Gomez. Not sure who goes though. Fundy has been much better lately, but do we need a 3rd LH? Adams has been the best I've ever seen him as if late, but is it for real? And while it's been SSSS, I like the couple of times I've watched Anderson throw. We aren't where we need to be, but we're also miles from where we started.

OPS doesn't have to be a final criteria at all. For instance, a AAA prospect might start the season very cold and then go on a major heater for the next 2 months but still have an OPS in the high 600's or low 700's despite slashing 850 or higher over those 2 months. But the corresponding. 500 OPS in that dismal first month is holding down their overall numbers. But while OPS is not the final criteria to make a comparison or decision, it still provides a basic floor for discussion. While every single player and every single situation is unique unto itself, a basic rule of thumb is that a AAA OPS will drop. 150-.200 points at the ML level. At least initially. That's due, obviously, to the talent level and experience of MLB players. Currently, I believe Jenkins is sitting 8th in OPS for St Paul. And that doesn't mean he isn't a natural talent and wouldn't come up and perform well immediately. I mean, who would you believe in more, Jenkins or Sabato? I think the answer would be Jenkins even though Sabato has the higher OPS. So it also comes down to age and talent and projection. But Jenkins around .815 OPS at AAA would indicate a .615-.665 OPS initially ar the ML level based on this accepted criteria. But again, everyone is different. Jenkins might be ready, and such a natural, with such a good approach and sweet swing that he hits the ground running and never looks back. (The obvious caveat that all players have hot and cold spells). Personally, I can't wait to see him come up. And I'm not one of those opposed to promoting young, top prospects aggressively. (Hello Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Tampa)! I was pounding the table for Rodriguez to begin this season with the Twins. So this might answer your question regarding OPS between the levels. One last time, as always, promotions and development are not linear. Now, my issue with the OP in general is that I don't know if Jenkins debuting because Buxton is on a 10 day IL stint is really such a missed "golden opportunity". Now, Bell and/or Larnach is moved over the next few days and there's a legitimate, open spot for Jenkins to come up and play daily for an extended time frame...possibly the remainder of the season...I'm all in and would seriously question what is going on. But 10 days and limited opportunity? I just don't see the fuss of it NOT being Jenkins brought up. But I will repeat, I wish there was a better option sitting there, that made sense, instead of Gray.

Granted Gray is an uninspiring choice. And I'm not a fan of it. But was there a good choice? Really? Rodriguez is the obvious #1 choice. But he's only been off the IL for a couple days now, and is rehabbing. K-Pepper is obvious choice #2, but he's only been active for a couple of games and needs time to get in to a groove. Where do Gonzalez or Mendez play with Bell at DH and Larnach in LF? Neither can play CF and both are still working on their defense. I suppose you could sit Roden and play one of them in RF instead, but is that their best use for now? I can't wait for Jenkins. And I can see merit to giving him a shot. He's doing nothing wrong at St Paul. And he could even play CF. But his .800+ OPS in the International League doesn't scream "difference maker ready to roll". He's a real talent with a good future in front of him. And if the Twins wanted to give him a shot right now to get his feet wet, I wouldn't be upset or disappointed. But in theory, this is for 10 days. So I'm just not that worked up about it I think an INF makes sense, and I wish they had someone better than Gray to call up, but they don't.

Ummm...first of all, he's not a southpaw. He's RH. Secondly, if we were to grab an older player, I'd rather have a rental than being potentially "stuck" with Castillo, his contract, and possible decline. I don't know Seattle's roster well enough to make an exact suggestion, but why not Jeffers, one of maybe Gonzalez or Mendez, and either Wallner as a potential rebound throw-in, or another solod mid range prospect for Hancock and a solid pen arm? The Mariners get a high end bat for now...that they could also re-sign...and get another talented young bat, and whatever 3rd option makes the deal work.

If Seattle is looking for offense and is making Hancock available, I'd try to add to the deal and see if we can get a bullpen arm from them and add someone like Gonzalez or Mendez to the deal and maybe a 20-30 prospect to sweeten the deal. We get a SP and a pen arm ready, nor near ready, and they get an immediate bat and a future bat, if not immediate.