DocBauer

OK, you got me on Julien a bit. The AVG and OB skills and approach definitely are similar. But Julien doesn't have the speed Rodirguez has and nowhere near the power. So I guess I'm talking so much of the 3 true outcome and his OVERALL ability.

I want to add a 4th player to @stringer bell list. And I really should have brought this up earlier. Despite draft pedigree and college production, and scouts speculation, etc, sometimes they just get it wrong. Martin is an ATHLETE, but not a polished baseball player. And when you look at his college career, lack of power, lack of a definitive position, somewhere along the line scouts and FO just got it wrong. He HIT in college and had a great OB%, and he stole some bases. But 57 XBH over THREE YEARS in college just isn't much power. And while he spent most of his time at 3B, he was used all over. In retrospect, he was a HITTER, with a good OB%, and speed, with little power, and NO defensive HOME. That's the definition of a utility player...with potential to be sure...and not a TOP prospect. No wonder the Jays put him at SS initially just to see if he might surprise. No wonder the Twins tried to add some pop/power to his game in an attempt to not make him the next Ben Revere. His debut with the Twins in 2024 was mediocre at best. He didn't even hit LHP especially well. In fact, he actually hit RHP in '24 slightly better than LHP. BUT, with a SSS, he's reversed that trend here this season. He's suddenly got more even splits over 2 seasons in what is STILL a SSS. He's mediocre at best as a 2B, not even his dominant college position. He's been mediocre at best in CF, again, not his dominate college position. And he's been so-so in LF. But it does look like his OF defense has improved currently while the team has been giving him a consistent run. He's suddenly hitting .290 with an OB% of .388. That sounds really good. But his SLG% is still only .380. That's a SLG% of a utility INF or poor catcher. The ONLY way he can maintain an OPS of .768 is to be a faster version of Arraez. I don't think he's on the level of Wallner, Lewis, or Lee for many reasons. But he WAS part of a debatable trade a few years ago that still brings up conversation to this day. And he's got a load of OF talent breathing down his neck. So I think he'd be a good #4 to debate. I can see him rostered, or simply not at this point.

The contention was come stretch time in September, with playoff spots on the line, MLB decided it wasn't FAIR for some teams to play teams with good records and other teams to play teams with poor records that were out of contention, and offering up a lineup of prospects that might make them EASIER to defeat. I've ALWAYS HATED this rule. Not only has the draft lottery worked against "tanking teams", but if the ML schedule...prepared before the season began...offered up a WINNING team to face the A's, the Rockies, the Dirty Sox, or even our current Twins team that played a few more prospects in September with poor records, what kind of competitive advantage does that really provide? You're either playing a team that's good, or a team that's not good. The EXACT SAME THING could happen in August, or July, etc. Just make it 30-32 and let teams either reward career guys at the end of the season, or let them get a handful of prospects a chance to get their feet wet. Or is it just better to have more 12-3 games against losing teams because that SOMEHOW increases the INTEGRITY of the playoff chase in September. Hell, a couple prospects late in the season might actually make a losing team more competitive.

AAA: Abel, despite his 2 brief poor ML appearances for the Twins, has really improved his control/command at the AAA level. And the Twins are mixing up his repertoire. It would be silly to give up on his potential based on a couple bad appearances. 3 good IP tonight show the potential. BUT...NOT to do what I just said...with the number of arms currently in play for 2026 and beyond...this changes if Lopez or Ryan are moved...I can still see a strong back end arm for the bullpen. Just saying. I sure wouldn't go there yet. I think the move of MacLeod to the pen is permanent. And it makes sense. He hasn't mastered AAA yet after a good AA season, but a few more appearances like tonight...and he's had a couple of them so far...he might be in play for a 2026 pen spot at some point. SIDETRACK (with apologies): With all due respect to the "Jenkins Watch", I'm more focused on Rodriguez over the next few games available. 0-1 with 2R scored and 3BB and 1K is indicative of his career profile. I've just NEVER seen a CAREER profile like him before. Somewhat like Sano, he gets a lot of K's because he's almost TOO patient looking for a good pitch to hit. Thus not a great HIT profile where it's often debated he should swing earlier. But he also has an AMAZING .420 OB% for his MILB career that again, I'm not sure I've ever seen! His .488 SLG% and .908 OPS% are equally outstanding. His career 74% success rate on SB is very close to being worthwhile, but needs work. He's also a legitimate CF defensively with an arm that's good enough for RF. His best position, down the road at least, might be LF with his speed and arm to cover Target Field and still backup CF as needed. But what to make of his 3 outcome potential as a 23yo when 2026 begins? His CEILING is a 30/30/30 year between Dbls, HR, and SB. A more reasonable ceiling is 30/25/25. Both ceilings obviously have a little give and take. But with his current approach...again, I've just never seen a profile like his...if he could continue to play good defense, provide some speed on the basepaths...and only HIT in the .220-.230 range and lower his incredible OB% to around .330-.340 and crank 30+ Dbls and 20+ HR and steal a consistent 18-22 bases, he becomes a difference maker. He's got 2 options left, I believe, and is a couple years younger than Jenkins, and should end the season with more AAA PA. I'd almost be more inclined to focus on HIM beginning 2026 in the Twins OF for everything stated here. That's why I'm actually watching him more than Jenkins right now. AA: Mendez has another good game and even cranked one of the fence. I love that he's going to the AFL. He might get a chance to play some 1B there. If he can tweak his approach to get more lift in his batted balls, he might be a LH Gonzalez. The size and natural power seem to be there. Rosario keeps coming through. Has Bowen moved to the pen permanently? Or is this a temporary IP situation? His best opportunity for a ML staff might be in the pen. Whitaker, Parades...and Hoopes who only recently got promoted to AA...have had outstanding seasons as bullpen options. We might actually have a handful of RELIEVERS...not just SP converts...that might be fast tracking to the ML level. Wichita just REFUSES to quit on their playoff chances. But I'm worried it might be too little too late. A: Really disappointing and unexpected start by Bohorquez. Can't help but wonder what might have been the remainder of his appearances if a 3rd out came from somewhere. Houston came through with a really good game. Tremendous game from Urbina. Good for him! But he, J Rodriguez, and Mercedes are a handful of international signings that have really disappointed the last couple of years. But a great TEAM WIN and on to the finals!

For the most part, Sands has thrown pretty well since the deadline. But this was the 2nd or 3rd time where he just blew up. Completely hot and cold. There's still a live arm there and someone who we might be able to count on in 2026. But he's got to settle down and find more consistency because at times he looks like his '24 self. Clemens isn't great. Never has been and never will be. This might even end up being his career season. But he's shown enough defense and position flexibility, and power to be brought back as a LH bench option. He won't be expensive and he's low risk with solid help potential.

I don't mind their initial tactic, which was a combination of needing ANYONE for a couple weeks just to actually have 8 arms in the pen, and then grabbing a couple of waiver arms that at least had SOME stuff that they could unlock. MAYBE. What I DON'T agree with is how LONG they auditioned some of those guys. If you want to keep Hatch as a middle/long guy fine. But Ohl and Adams should be getting 1 IP to see if they might be part of 2026. Laweryson should have been up September 1st, not waiting for someone to get hurt.

I believe this makes 9 picks from the Twins 2019 draft to appear in MLB, whether with the Twins or someone else. Not a lot of stars from that class, but that is an interesting number. Good luck Cody, the team needs all the pen help it can get.

I should have remembered Boadas was hurt, especially when I went back to his reference page. My only question is if he's healthy and strong enough to throw in the AFL or if this is DeAndrade being on the roster last year but never getting in to a game. Hoopes could be a fast riser in 2026. To a degree, he already was with what he did at both A levels in his debut. Sechrist had a great career at Tennessee. I'm guessing velocity and K ability was the reason he wasn't drafted? Good debut season, now he just needs to learn to put batters away quicker. Despite poor W-L record and high ERA, Questad seemed to actually throw better this season. And at a higher level than 2024. Fewer hits than IP and more than a K per inning are reasons to be optimistic. The high BB numbers are the reason to worry and believe he may end up in the pen. But he's so young still. More time and more instruction can only help. I like this group of arms better than last year's. Winokur seems to have slumped a bit the past couple of weeks. Fatigue? Still, his game was well rounded, and you can see the potential. The fact the Twins want to see him get more time seems to indicate how much they like him. The fact that Amick improved his contact and BB/K% numbers is pretty exciting. Now, he unlocks the power potential that was mostly dormant this season and we might really have something here. I'll be watching the AFL pretty closely this offseason. Most exciting collection of prospects in a few years.

SWR is a trade candidate possibility. I grant that. But there is so much right now that we simply don't know about payroll and the disposition of Lopez and Ryan. But neither of those two are moved...my preference...I would see Sim getting the 5th job no matter what. They won't be shy about sending a deserving rotation arm to St Paul to begin the season. Clemens is the only one of the rest I'm interested in. Granted he's finishing the season poorly, but he's fit in well and been a solid, productive role player since acquired. But he shouldn't be starting daily at any position. I'd see if he can start playing some 3B again to further increase his roster flexibility. I wouldn't be upset if he was replaced by someone better, but I see a possible role for him in 2026.

You are absolutely correct. I was speaking about Sechrist but typed Hall's name for some reason. Thank you for catching my goof!

A really interesting group here. Sechrist was signed as an UDFA following the '24 draft after a really solid career. He had a solid rookie debut this year, but needs to increase his K numbers. Hoopes, also an UDFA has blown away hitters at both A levels and just reached AA in his rookie season. He's potentially a fast riser in 2026. Questad got off to a solid start this year, but still has some control issues. Mendez is new to the Twins and learning some 1B. He's got a good bat and eye, but he's got to get the ball in the air more. Hits way too many groundballs. Amick missed a lot of time. This makes up for thst and gets him ready for AA next season. Winokur going is a slight surprise to me. He's been healthy all year and did some good things. This shows me how high the Twins are on him and want him to get this extra development time. This is a lot more interesting group than last year.

A well thought out premise Stringer. And you definitely picked the top 3. WALLNER: I'm still a believer based on his MILB career, an OK rookie season, and even better years in '23 and '24. (I still belueve he was left at St Paul for too long both of those seasons). I just can't explain his low .200 BA this season. For some reason, he's just never gotten his stroke or timing right. Did the hamstring injury really affect him that much? Is it still throwing him off? I believe he's really a .240-.250 hitter. The OB% and power are legit. Defensively, IMO, he has a bit of a bad rap. He doesn't get going quickly, but he's got good wheels once he gets going. Getting good reads is of the upmost importance. I think he was better last year. Maybe he's still adjusting to being in RF now instead of LF? Maybe he's taking his hitting frustration out in to the field? IDK. I do think he'll end up as the primary DH soon, and play some corner OF here and there. LEE: I agree he's been a little disappointing this season. He looks so good fielding the ball, displays good instincts, gets rid of the ball quickly, and then suddenly has a stretch where he looks more like Julien. He does seem more comfortable at SS, and I think he's generally been solid there. I do think, however, that K-Pepper will bring more athleticism to the position and will bump him. Now, whether he takes over 3B or 2B in different scenarios or becomes an almost daily utility INF is yet to be determined. He's never been a big BB hitter, and I hope that improves. What's so frustrating is he makes such good contact, he ends up swinging at stuff he shouldn't far too often and gets pop-ups and weak grounders way too often. (Reminicent of Miranda in that way). The good news is he's very smart and recognizes that's the flaw in his game. The question is WILL he make the adjustment and focus more on the hitting zones where he can be more successful. I think we should remember that he's still only 24yo and came in the year with only about 180PA, and 170 AB. That's not far from the minimum for rookie classification. LEWIS: I think he's really improved his defense at 3B. I can see him sticking there long term. I'd like to see him play some 1B as well, just to give the INF a little more flexibility. But somewhere along the line, around August of last year, his bat really disappeared. Yes, he's been much better the last couple of months. And as noted, he's even running better. But he's no longer the 185lb prospect with great speed. He's now a 200lb muscular slugger. Royce has made comments earlier this season that he was having a hard time finding a stroke/stance/approach that felt comfortable. More muscle mass, a pair of knee surgeries, and collection of soft tissue injuries may have just really thrown him out of whack. Further and further removed from the hamstring injury that happened in ST might be the reason he's hitting and running better. I hate to use the word "luck", but with another offseason with his trusted trainer, might he finally avoid so many of those soft tissue injuries and finally have some good luck? That and just getting a stance/swing that he feels more comfortable with could see a big 2026 for him. He's still only 26yo until June of next year. I think the potential is still there. But can more hard work this offseason offer up a little more "luck" so he can finally tap in to all of his talent/ability? I sure hope so. I still have a pretty strong belief in all 3. Wallner has lost timing, Royce needs to just stay healthy, and Lee needs to focus on the mental side of the game and stop swinging at stuff that's not in his productive zones. But there's enough youth and talent on their side to have much better seasons going forward. Let's hope so as they could all 3 play an important role in 2026 and beyond.

Jeff Kent says hello. I don't think 2B has been a defense first position for a couple decades or more. But I also think it's really hard to find one that is quality defensively AND offensively. I think Keaschall has a chance to be one of those guys though. He's missed so much field time by being restricted to 1B/DH almost exclusively until mid ST this year due to his elbow and subsequent surgery. And then he misses 2 months this season with a broken arm. He's got the speed and athleticism to get to balls, including those deep in the hole. He's also got the speed and athleticism to chase pop-ups in to the OF. The awkwardness he shows at times actually fielding the ball should smooth out with time. Down the road, there's also the possibility of K-Pepper playing 2B if/when Houston might replace Lee. Keaschall probably becomes a LF/DH/1B at that point. But I've got faith he's going to settle in at 2B nicely.

Solid start by Bradley. Not a horrible game by Sands who has picked it up a bit since the deadline. But he's just not ready to be the #1 guy in the pen. How does Outman having a good game, with a bad play in the OF from what I read, with a .157 AVG provide any hope? For all his offensive flaws, Drew Butera was considered a really good catcher behind the plate and calling a good game. And he still managed to hit .196 for his career. Gasper is BELOW that. He beats Butera by a few points in OB%, but loses in SLG% and OPS. Drew also threw out 27% of base runners for his career vs 20% for Gasper. I have ZERO idea if Gasper is actually good calling a game and handling a ML staff at this point. So I don't want to be a jerk about this. But how much poor production do you have to see before you just understand Gasper is no answer? I don't believe his BAT is ready for MLB at this time, but I'd rather have Cardenas have a rude awakening at the ML level to get ready for 2026. And IDK care if the Angels were throwing RH pitching, you brought up McCusker to play. Play him! Or get Fesko on the roster and play HIM! What the hell is going on with roster usage?

I just can't disagree with almost anything you said. I wish I could. What the Twins need more than anything is HOPE. A new ownership would go a long way towards that, but it's not going to happen for another year or two. I'm pretty neutral on Rocco. I'd really like to see what he could do with a more well rounded player roster. By his own admission his first couple of seasons was just turn in a lineup card and make a couple pen moves. Again, I'm pretty neutral on him. He's done some good things, and some poor things. I think he's actually grown as a manger. And he comes from an aggressive organization in Tampa. I wouldn't mind seeing him have a more balanced team of hit/power/speed that the Twins are moving towards. But I'd also be OK if they went a different direction. Maybe when I talk about "selling the team" for fan interest I'm overstating my opinion. BUT, new manager or not. Lewis and Lee getting their crap together, Wallner having a full and healthy season, Buxton healthy and having an amazing season, some TOP prospects arrived and close to arriving, and NOT trading Lopez or Ryan has to offer SOME hope doesn't it?

Just as an example I recently posted, the Twins apparently had the choice of Tait or Aiden Miller. While Miller is also a top 100 prospect, he probably doesn't stick at SS. The Twins see Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, and K-Pepper in their INF and decided they wanted Tait as a difference maker at Catcher, vs a more immediate impact player.

Retrospect is important. As well as a long term lense. I didn't like all of the moves made to be certain. But I can now look a little more honestly, weeks gone by, at these moves. 1] I HATED Outman for Stewart. It only garnered a Keirsey clone with a slightly better track record. BOTH should be DFA immediately and maybe keep one for AAA ball in 2026 if they want to stick around. I'm actually more pissed that they've let them keep a 40 man roster vs letting Fedko get a 30 day shot to see up close what you might have. FO short sightedness yet again. 2] Zero problem moving Coulombe for a young LH arm like Horn, lower level, with talent. And Coulombe might be right back on another 1yr deal for 2026 to keep the same role he had: 1 out, or 1 IP. 3] Paddack for a really young switch hitting catcher with a strong arm, some hit ability, some power, and the ability to stick behind the plate? I had HOPED for a pen arm that might be ready to help in 2026. That certainly didn't happen here. And it's a LONG ROAD before Jimenez might reach the ML. But if he really is Vazquez with a better bat...comparisons I've heard...this might be a STEAL! 4] Hendry Mendez for Bader with a 16-17yo kid named Villoria as a pitcher thrown in. Again, I had hope for a 2026 BP option, or maybe even a 4th OF type. Instead, we get a LH version of G Gonzalez who is raking at AA who needs to learn to LIFT the ball to have power before his production craters as a hard hitting, ground ball bat. But the potential is certainly there. And he's off to a good start at Wichita. Villoria only needs mention as the Twins Latin scouts are familiar with him. 5] Correa for NOTHING but a 26yo low A and salary relief means NOTHING. The debate might continue for years to come. Paying $10M for the next few years falls on Jim Pohlad to make this deal. It ONLY makes sense in the long run if they actually spend the freed up $20M. 6] Castro for Gallagher makes some sense. Gallagher has a variety of pitches, but doesn't dominate with any of them. But he's a 2024 rookie at AA. That's kind of crazy. Solid college numbers but not amazing. Good length. There's potential there. Probably more than Armstrong, also brought on board. One future BP candidate and one that had a shot to remain as a ML starter potentially. BOTH maybe the next Jax, Sands, etc in a couple of seasons? There are some good arms behind them. 7] Taj Bradley for Jax. I HATED this trade and still question it. Jax, despite his trade request after speaking with Correa and being frustrated with the RED deadline day, didn't have to be moved. Despite a frustrating season, his peripherals showed he was still throwing well. He would have been the closer in 2026 for the Twins. Meanwhile, the young and talented Bradley had been regressing for the Rays. Did the Twins really see Jax going downward? Did they see the upside in Bradley that Tampa didn't see in Ryan? I'm a little neutral on this deal at the moment. 8] I hated Varland to Toronto at the deadline and I still dislike it weeks later. But I hate it less with time to reflect. Varland could have been the top setup man, and potential closer, for 3-5yrs for the Twins. INSTEAD, they get a mediocre LH OF/1B with SOME potential and a LHP with limited experience that should STILL be in AA. 9] Duran for Abel and Tait. Let's start with the good. Abel has been a top 100 prospect for some time now. He's got great stuff, but has fought control issues. He's got top of the rotation potential. Tait might just be the best MILB catching prospect in MLB. He's got a strong arm and a quality LH bat that might produce 30 HR power. Even IF he can't t stay behind the dish...unlikely at this point...he'd still be a hell of a 1B! Reports are they could have had Aiden Miller, a multi talented SS who reportedly can't stick at SS and might be moving to 3B or elsewhere. But the Twins chose the POTENTIAL of Tait instead. That might be debatable a couple years from now. I just went through EVERY trade and their return...questionable or not...and the ONLY acquired prospects that might be considered MAJOR LEAGUE READY would include Abel, Outman, Roden, and Bradley. That's 4 possible early return players of 12 as Mikulski was really for paperwork only in the Correa deal. And Outman is an IMMEDIATE DFA, OR Keirsey, take your pick. Outman was a remote flier of "any chance he figures it out with a change of scenery at 28yo after 2 really bad years". Considering Stewart was hurt again shortly after the trade...and early reports Outman was PART of a trade for Stewart initially, this was really a wash of hope for both sides. I don't have a ton of faith in Roden...I see him as a solid bench piece at best...but do we just dismiss his MILB career so soon after struggling as a rookie after only 153 PA? Is Abel the next Duran? Would that actually be a loss when we also gained Taint as our next cather of the future? I'm talking long term. I just think there's a lot to decompress at this point. I'm still not sure the Twins or lost anything at this point. While I'm still NOT a fan of the RED DAY that was the trade deadline, I think the OP's idea of a bust for "ready players" is way out of line. Again, Outman is already out, barring some unexpected turnaround at AAA in 2026 if he stays with the Twins. So after the dust has settled, really the ONLY 3 players brought back in trades to provide any sort of immediate help...this season or next...were Roden, Abel, and Bradley. We can debate at length whether Roden has a shot...even if he gets his game together...in the OF or 1B considering Wallner, Jenkins, and Rodriguez, amongst others. (MAYBE 1B is an option). And we can talk at length about the STUFF and potential of Abel and Bradley and their futures. But honestly, those are REALLY the only 3 prospects back that might provide immediate dividends. So the OP is really incorrect in intent, if not perspective. As much as anyone can bash Falvey and the FO, or hate the trades and returns, they actually made these moves mostly with 2-3 years from now in regard to Mendez, Horn, Gallagher, Armstrong, Jimenez, Tait, and Rojas. Falvey and company may or may not be around to see if these moves turn out. But to their credit, they did so for the future.

I think Buck is a class act! Over and over again he's stated he wants to be a Twin for his whole career. And he's a "gamer" for sure. Before his knee was finally fixed, how many saw him STILL stealing bases and needed 2 or 3 minutes to just stand up straight again? And he's been a hard working but quiet leader for the most part. At least publicly. I give him a standing ovation for coming out of his comfort zone and publicly staying SOMETHING about the future of the team. I applaud him all the more for not being nasty about it. The Twins, as currently constructed are not devoid of talent, despite less than optimal production. While they have a pretty solid and deep MILB system, many of their TOP prospects are ready or nearly ready to appear. The Owners can no longer claim debt as being an immediate issue as that is gone with the new minority owners cash influx. Even the blind Pohlads can hear and read fan apathy and look at Target Field and see only hundreds of fans in the stands. What's next? Paper bags over heads? While the unknown new minority owners may have limited power, are they simply blind to what is happening? Are they ONLY interested in a return 10-15yrs from now? Or are they actually interested in the GROWTH of their new investment? I'm just a mid-western middle class peon. But if I had $ to invest somewhere, I'd sure like to know the company/team I invested my $ in to was intent on GROWING the brand of the company/team. Maybe I'm naive, but doesn't that just make some sense??? At this point you do, more or less, what I've stated over and over again. You KEEP Lopez and Ryan because you CAN and SHOULD. You sign a quality FA like Josh Naylor...or similar...to add to the lineup and clubhouse. You spend a couple $M on a veteran pen arm like Coulombe, or maybe Chafin to offer some hope to the fan base that that the dismantling of the team is over. Forgetting another $2-3M for a decent, veteran backup catcher...which won't excite the fan base...which is still important, and then your drop another another $10M-ish on 2-3 pen arms who might be older, or bouncing back, or former starters who are good looking converts. You SELL the rotation, your 1 good BAT, and the prospects like Keaschall, K-Pepper, Jenkins, and Rodriguez to season ticket holders. Under the radar, you keep looking for the next Thielbar and Stewart. And you keep making smart decisions about the NEXT Duran, Jax, Sands, etc. I HONESTLY HATE repeating myself over and over about the rather OBVIOUS moves the FO and ownership could make. But if we keep having OP's about the Twins, I have no choice but to repeat myself. With ANY sort of decent pen assembled, the rotation and depth look strong. Add ONE veteran BAT with the talent on hand being healthy and producing, along with some of the best young talent the Twins have had in years, this could be a really interesting team. Buck HASN'T asked for the Twins to suddenly have a $200M payroll. All he's asked for is a good, competitive team who has a chance.

I think you've read enough of my posts to know I'm 100% on making Josh Naylor a prime FA for 2026. He's not an All Star or GG player. But he's a decent, veteran 1B, BAT, and player who helps the INF, Lineup, and probably the clubhouse as well. (A lot of young players for 2026 and beyond). You get a decent hitter with fairly neutral career splits...which is important...a decent OB% hitter, and almost a guaranteed 20 HR and around 50 XBH total. Considering how the overall value 1B have financially in the game today, I really think he might be brought on board for about $15M. That might require more than 1yr. Maybe 2 or 3? But even at 3yrs, not only can the Twins afford it, not only does he deepen a lineup that's struggled and might have a ton of young players in 2026, but there is NO direct replacement in the near future. BUT, if the Twins DON'T spend a little $ for a veteran 1B...Naylor or someone else...I can see a scenario where they "try out" a combination of Julien, Roden, and Clemens from the LH side and Fedko from the RH side. (Personally, I'd have Lewis practice some 1B as well with K-Pep coming up soon). I think that would be a huge mistake based on greed and organizational misguidance as 1B is the OPTIMUM place to spend a little $ to make a difference, but that's where they might go if they don't spend a little to improve the team.

No room for Roden unless he's part of the 1B situation with someone else. I'm not giving up on him, but Wallner makes it over him every day of the week, and twice on Sundays. He becomes the PRIMARY DH and part time corner OF if/when the Twins and Rodriguez are the starting corner OF and backups to Buxton. I do wonder about Martin. Looks like his defense has improved some. And if true, that's a HUGE step forward to his ML roster viability. It's still a SSS, but his bat is starting to look more legit as well. But the weird base running mistakes don't help his cause. And I need to see more of any improved defense to convince me. On the other hand is Fedko, yet to debut, but 6 months younger. No proof, but I'd be willing to bet he's a better, more natural OF at this point than Martin. He's a similar OB% guy with seemingly as much speed, and more power/pop. I'm not anti-Martin, but if I could build a fantasy Twins team for 2026, I'd have to take Fedko...who's also learning some 1B to increase his flexibility...over Martin. He offers more pop/power, possibly more position flexibility, and considering how much RF he's played, I'm guessing a better arm. I'd be happy if Martin proved me wrong.

Good start for Armstrong. I think he was more of a "throw in" vs Gallagher in the Castro deal, but his MILB career numbers have been pretty solid so far. This is only his 2nd full pro season. He's still lacking in the K department. I don't want to speculate too soon about a prospects career trajectory, but I see him as a Jax/Sands type where the Twins see something they like, and he might end up as a better pen arm a year or so from now. Really interesting to take a deeper dive in to Whitaker, and Parades, and even Hoopes and Bragg...who didn't pitch in this report...and realize these are 3 recent late draft picks, and a surprise RFA signing...who have been excelling as pen arms. None of them are top prospects as they ARE pen arms. But I find it interesting that under the radar, the Twins might have a handful of MILB arms that just might be actual ML pen arms in the near future. Not sure the last time was when I could look at a Twins MILB pen arm and actually believe he might be a future contributor. Hildenberger maybe?

I don't believe, at this time, that Morris is a top of the rotation arm. But he was barely behind Matthews in a 2024 climb of an enormous season. Where he ranks on the rotation rankings just depends on way too many factors to assign a number at this early junction. But his finishing strong is a great positive. A couple good, healthy weeks for St Paul for Rodriguez might be really important. I truly believe the Twins are really, really close to having a hell of an OF with Rodriguez, Buxton, Jenkins, Wallner and pick your favorite RH option. While I really embrace the Brewers approach...a very similar mid market team...of turning TOP prospects loose, I don't know that any team would start TWO rookie OF day ONE of the next season. Unlike a few other posters, I wasn't in favor of handing Rodriguez LF to begin 2025. I felt a little time at AAA was warranted. Even with injuries that have hampered his season, he still has 179 PA there and more to come over the next couple of weeks. While the AVG has been disappointing, the OB and SLG and OPS numbers are solid. The speed, defense, and potential are still there. And his service time clock is ticking. I'd be willing to hand LF over to him to begin 2026, even with a low .200's AVG if he continues to show his other abilities and provide defense. I don't like the service time game, but I understand it. IF Jenkins played every day to finish the AAA season in the Saints lineup, he still only finishes with something like 120 PA. No matter how great he does, no matter how talented he is, I wouldn't have a problem with him getting another month or so at 21yo to begin 2026 just to get in a good groove, maybe flash a little more power...that's been starting to come on...and debut later than Rodriguez. The service time issue works in the Twins favor here, but I'm more concerned about Jenkins' continued development and readiness with so much time missed due to injuries, than I am about service time or any potential ROY draft reward. But then again, after everything I've just stated, I can see a scenario where Rodriguez and Jenkins FLIP their debuts.

I'm kinda late here so I'm going to be brief. AMICK: The two biggest questions about him were could he be viable at 3B, and his actual bat to ball ability. According to his draft profile he had shown some improvement at 3B. The Twins are still playing him there, and should still for now, so maybe he can stick there with enough time and work. But I think he ends up at 1B eventually. So far, he's made MAJOR improvement in his bat to ball skills and both BB and K numbers. The power is still there, it's just not shining this season. He definitely seems ready for AA in 2026. OLIVERAS: The 22yo is still sitting at a BB % per 9 of 4.9. But hits per 9 are just under 8, which isn’t bad, and he's just under 10K. Control/command takes time and can be worked on. Pure stuff, you either have it or not. There is some reliever "risk" there certainly. But he just recently reached A+ and should be part of a really interesting rotation for CR next season. KLEIN: He's got an ideal frame and mid 90's velocity. He's 23 1/2yo and has reached AAA in his 3rd professional season. With 70 hits in 80 IP and 2.7 BB and 10.6 K per 9 innings at AA he's taken a major step this season and has earned his finish to 2025 at AAA. He's off to a mediocre start, not surprising, but has had a handful of nice appearances as of late. He's a legitimate prospect. Do we care he wasn't drafted? We really shouldn't. We should only focus on build, velocity, production, and a good age for AAA.

I absolutely appreciate Ryan's passion to want to win. His passion and determination is what also holds him back, somewhat, as he sometimes lets bad plays and bad calls affect him on the mound. But I do think he's settled down and learned to better deal with that, overcome, and be his normal self. His comments at the deadline were NOT anti-Twins. I believe his comments were basically "it's exciting to think about, but I'd like to win here". The Twins NOT trading him or Lopez and adding a BAT, probably at 1B, and the number of great prospects ready to debut, and an actual EXTENSION offer would make him very happy to stick around, IMO. Over and over I've stated how the team could ADD a BAT, probably at 1B and leave DH open. Then add a couple 40 man man fliers, plus some MILB contract fliers, in addition to internal options, and rebuild at least a competent BP. And without going crazy, they could have a payroll $10M less than last season. NOT what I WANT, but you just might have a competive team for a payroll WAY below league average. EXPECTED ML PAYROLL AVG for 2026 is around $180M. That leaves a TON OF ROOM to sign Ryan for an extension...maybe 3yrs...and Jeffers for 2 additional years. And those extensions wouldn't even take place until 2027. This is not only VIABLE, but it still potentially keeps the Twins payroll well below the 2027 average. But then again, we're talking about a 3rd generation of billionaires who have little clue what they're actually doing. They've already kissed away 1/3 of the organizations actual worth just to eliminate their borrowed debt. I have to wonder, if you were part of the new minority owners who just paid the Pohlads somewhere between $400-500M, would you be content to stroke your belly and just wait for a payout 10yrs from now? Or would you be stamping your fist at the table wondering WTF is going on in regards to where my $ is being spent? Why are the stands virtually empty right now? How are you going to increase the value of my new investment? Just me as a lower middle class American. But even as a billionaire, I still think I'd like to know where my money is going.

(HEAVY SIGH)! It's still AMAZING to me how many comments come from people who just refuse to actually read or listen to REAL data and further comments made post Gray leaving the Twins. Gray is a competitor by nature. I recall a comment last season with the Cardinals where he said again he wants a chance to go as long as he can. He's NEVER been an innings eater. He's been used almost EXACTLY as he was as a Twin. He hasn't been quite as good with St Loius since he left. But somehow, this mantra keeps going on, and on, about he wasn't used to his full capacity. The numbers are easy to look up if doubters would take even a moment to look at them instead of just spitting out vitriol. I appreciate Ryan's comments as he's a heart on the wrist, emotional competitor. And I'm sure his competitive nature is very frustrated right now. But last I knew, Lopez was the leader of the staff now. Last I knew, the things that Gray brought to the table like; all pitchers watching the pen for the day's starter were still intact. When Gray was let go, initially, the Twins had Lopez re-signed, and Ryan and Ober right behind them, with some solid young arms behind them. Right or wrong, they couldn't afford having a $30M SS and TWO $20M SP, one of which was approaching his mid 30's on a deal. Ask the Brewers about letting a quality SP go. In their situation they traded 1yr of Burns for some prospects because they couldn't afford to keep him. Since they traded Burns they've won 93 games in 2024 and 89 games so far in 2025. No, the problem HASN'T been losing out on an "unaffordable" deal for Gray. The problem has been an inconsistent offense in 2024, and a putrid offense in 2025, despite a coaching change. A lack of defense sure hasn't helped. But unlike ********, that rolls downhill, the biggest issue with the Twins rolls UPHILL. How better is a manger if he has better players? Meanwhile, the FO and scouting department are drafting more athletic players with a mix of speed, defense, and power mixed but will take time to develop and actually reach the ML level. Meanwhile, the Ownership has borrowed so much $ towards the franchise due to external debt that they CUT payroll just as the team is becoming an actual contender, ready to add a couple complimtary pieces to advance forward while waiting for the new direction of prospect talent, that the FO has their legs cut out under them. No wonder Levine left, though he won't state it publicly. No, the downfall of the Twins has nothing to do with Gray being gone, despite Ryan losing a mentor. And honestly, while he might not be a great manager, Rocco and his staff are not the DIRECT ISSUE. (He and his staff could be better for sure). But where are his players? What exactly is the PLAN for the team? And while I have issues with certain decisions made, and still being made, by the FO here and there... and what is their PLAN for the future...it still comes back to ownership and how badly they've mishandled the entire Twins organization. I'm NOT dismissing Rocco and his staff. And I'm NOT dismissing perceived errors by the FO, but how better might have 2024 and this season been with a league average payroll instead of worrying about the ownership debt? I'm not saying a new FO and new manager might not be in the cards. But temper your roll a bit fans. The current demise of the Twins is not for effort, directly, from Rocco and his staff, or necessarily from the current FO directly, But when the genie's lantern has been rubbed and you get your wish and build your team with promises...and then those promises are suddenly swept away...what are you to do? No. Again, it wasn't losing Gray that brought about this sudden demise. It was ownership mismanagement spouting off rhetoric to cover their own ass. Sometimes ******** actually DOES roll uphill! Censor me TD watchdogs if you want to. But I'm speaking the bare truth.