DocBauer

I make it a habit to generally not comment on DSL prospects, though I appreciate getting to know them. It's just such a long haul before possible ML appearances that I sort of "ignore" them before they come state side. It's NOT a slight, it's just so hard to know what you might have until they at least hit the FCL, if not low A ball. J Rodriguez is a recent example. Still waiting to see him come close to replicating the potential he showed. But please keep bringing these kids to our attention. Despite limited velocity, and being more of a control pitcher, I was really surprised Ohl didn't climb to AAA following his 2023 season. But his 2024 was mediocre at best, and I was disappointed. I'm very pleased about his 2025 results so far, and his recent promotion to AAA. In today's game, I think it's becoming optimal to have roster flexibility in you 8th spot in the pen, and maybe even in your last 2 spots. In this area...as has been discussed in a different OP a couple weeks ago...I believe the Twins are ahead of the curve in future thinking. Why not a TOP 6 in the pen that are your dominant arms, and 1 or even 2 guys who are really good quasi-starters who have good enough stuff to be really good for a turn, or two, through the lineup to bridge the gap to the top 6? NOT just throw away, churn and burn inning eating options who might be sent down or DFA and recycled, but a couple guys who aren't set up and closer types, but who you can actually RELY on to be good for a couple 2-3 IP ever 3 days? The Twins are starting to develop that type of option with Adams, as well as Ohl. Suddenly a mediocre starter might be a really good middle option that you can actually trust vs some sacrificial IP lamb. I like this idea and am encouraged about the idea, as well as Ohl taking a step forward. As far as Winokur is concerned, you won't find a bigger fan or believer in his ability and potential! I recall the Futures Game where he made a great play to his right at SS and then threw an off target to 1B. Later in the game, he made as difficult grab and threw a perfect missile to the 1B to get an amazing out. Even still, I doubt his future is at SS despite being an amazing athlete for his size. Too much growth potential, IMO. His potential is enourmance. If you were to rank prospects only on athletic ability and potential, he's easily in the Twins top 10. While there are absolutely contact and K and OB% worries, he got better as his 2024 season went along. Despite a rough start to 2025, the 20yo has continued to grow and adapt and get better as the season goes along. (Reminds me somewhat of Wallner). He's got the frame to handle more muscle/weight, without losing speed. He's got not only a powerful bat, but reportedly a good arm as well. With a need to continue to harness his bat and decision making at the plate, I'm still thinking he's probably 3yrs away from MLB. While he's still super young and really raw, you just can't deny the tools and the fact that he's growing and producing as a 20yo at A+. Defensively, I see him as the Twins best CF prospect in the system in a couple of years, provided no major weight gains, which he doesn't really seem to need. Offensively, I see him as a RH version of Wallner, with more speed. At worst I see him as a young Gallo type, again with more speed, and a better CF. He OBVIOUSLY needs to continue to work on contact and laying off poor pitches. What 20yo doesn't? He's still got a long way to go. He could easily flame out. But he could also continue to work hard, develop, improve, and harness all that athleticism and be a really good and dangerous player. IMO, he's the most INTRIGUING prospect in the entire system. It's not hard to squint just a little bit and see a Twins OF of Rodriguez, Jenkins, and Winokur in a couple 2-3 seasons. At the very least, his speed starts to escape him, he could be a hell of a 1B!

1] Agree on the cap $ left. I wouldn't be surprised for a SAFETY floating out there to be brought in, but thr $ should be reserved for emergency, and for next season. 2] Agree on Mason. He makes a difference. Chandler needs to step up! He's flashed at times, but has shown no consistency. PS Scott seems to have been of a receiver than RB. Am I nuts to think the smallish, small school kid Tre Scott might surprise, especially after a tremendous 1 season at a lower level D1 program? I wonder about a final cut down RB from another team being brought in before the season starts? 3] With the FA that have been available at CB, and those that still are, I also think they are quietly very content at CB. They LOVE Rogers. Blackmon looked a possible steal as a rookie and seems 100%. I think it's a quietly undersold room of talent and potential. 4] I like the Blackmon addition at SAFETY on what I'd expect to be a cheap deal at this point. Not sure there's anyone out there younger as a potential "let's take a look" option at this point. But again, even if Ward is looking good, you can't go through camp, scrimmages, and 3 preseason games with only 5 options, maybe 6 with veteran Tavierre Thomas listed as DB.

1] Agreed on Mason. I think he really helps. He's one of my favorite additions, though he doesn't get a lot of ink. 2] I really like the DL. I'm excited about the potential behind the starters, even if they all just turn out to really solid role players. OLB has a top 3 to be envious of. How good might Richter be with a year under his belt? How good might Murphy be 100% healthy? He barely played once he was back in 2024, but he flashed a couple plays and has a lot of potential. Wouldn't be surprised if UDFA Batty didn't make things interesting. Despite his age, I'm hoping he can be a PS stash.

I also agree on going with the youth. And I also agree on SAFETY. They have to have more bodies just to get through camp. Possible a CB or 2 gets some time there im guessing. I think Theo Jackson has been groomed for this moment and will surprise. Read somewhere Ward was having solid camps as the #4. If that's true, I feel pretty good about the 4 we have.

In modern baseball, teams seldom draft a 1B only player. The primary reason is you'd better be damn sure hes going to be a difference maker with the bat, because other than DH, there's nowhere else to play them. To my recollection, Hrbek was always a 1B, drafted late, 17th round. I believe Mientkiewicz was either a 3B or OF when drafted, though he did play briefly as a catcher in MILB. Morneau was selected as a catcher. We all know Mauer's journey. Last season's 1B, Santana, was a catcher moved to 3B and then 1B. And that's just a few examples of the Twins history of 1B, not to mention countless others across baseball. 2020 was a bizarre season, year, and draft. And we all know why. But when you pick so late in the draft, you just look for value. Right or wrong, the Twins saw a RH 1B with a good bat, a good eye and OB%, and tremendous power potential. So the Twins took a shot on a 1B only player late in the draft who offered perhaps the best pure hit/power production in the entire draft, coming out after his sophomore season. We all know the results to this point. I am absolutely not willing to put a lot of faith in a just turned 26yo FINALLY figuring it out. Still, there are injuries to consider and mental maturity for a ballplayer. And I don't mean that as an insult. I'm saying that as a PLAYER, there may have mental roadblocks or a self imposed stubbornness that told him privately "I can do this" without realizing he couldn't and needed to change his approach. But what if a few injuries affected him or caused any self doubt when he struggled? Did he become frustrated? Was he over anxious to just prove himself with power rather a more balanced approach? His comments seem to be a "baseball player" maturity where he began to reflect and realize what he had been doing simply wasn't working. Again, not a lot of faith in a former 1st round pick at 26yo suddenly growing in to a quality ML player. But the hitter we're seeing this season is SO DIFFERENT than the one we've seen the past 4 years that you have to wonder and hope a little bit don't you? If he continues to be this NEW hitter in AAA, you'd have to take a look at him come September wouldn't you? It's a good story of perseverance and adjustments and not giving up. It would be an even better story if he maintains this new approach and reaches MLB as a late bloomer who just took longer than expected. Think, maybe, Rooker as an example?? Again, not planning on him being a great MLB player, but it sure would be great if he could settle 1B for the next few years as a surprise development story.

So we've got a ways to go before training camp opens, and other than some promotions within the FO, and speculation about a Metellus re-sign, there's not much news coming out about the Vikes these days. But they haven't been immune to signings, or trades, just before training camp, or just after it starts. While I really like the roster as a whole, one thing I find interesting is that while the team signed some veterans, generally speaking, most of the backups are all rather young. I believe the oldest CB in the room is 27, the backups to both lines are mostly in their 1-3 seasons, and WR and TE aren't exactly old at all. Even the top 2 QB are 25yo and younger. I think that bodes well for the future. There are a handful of interesting FA options still on the market, however, if the FO feels like there's an opportunity or need to add with some of the approximately $18-20M they have left to spend. I'd fully expect them to keep some $ in reserve for contingency plans, but is there anyone you'd like to still see added? One Vikings website recently stated they think 30yo TE Gerald Everett would be a smart add, rather than go with rookies for the 3rd spot. They also suggested 30yo RB Gus Edwards, a bruising 240lb TD machine as a good option. Right or wrong, some pundits have clamored for the team to add another veteran CB. Elder statesmen such as the 34yo Gilmore, 31yo Rasul Douglas, and 31yo blitz specialist Mike Hilton are all available. And so is 25yo Asante Samuel, with the whole world waiting on medicals it appears. If they want to add a veteran SAFETY for depth and competition, 31yo Justin Simmons and 27yo Julien Blackman are available. There's also a handful of over 30yo OLB/EDGE options. I have 2 questions for you all: 1] Who are your favorite additions to the roster at this point? 2] Is a position group that concerns you? Are there any names you'd still like to see them add? Or are you content with the roster as is? Just something to occupy our time.

(Sigh) Glad I didn't watch this one, or any of this series. (Working, still a fan)! Do we give any credit to the team fighting until the end and not giving up? Or do we lament missed opportunities? Lee is WAY better than that! Festa is WAY better than that! Sim actually tosses a solid game but is let down by both his defense and his offense. I think the hope is get to the break at .500. We get some guys back in July, SOMEONE or multiple SOMEONES wake up and we have a solid 2nd half. We still have an entire half season to play, so I'm not giving up at this point, despite mounting frustration. Absolutely NO to any thought of trading Buxton!

I don't know that the ABS is coming soon. There's still a lot of bugs in the system to be worked out. But personally, I love the challenge system. I watched several ST games this season and was impressed how quickly and easily the system played out. I was also very impressed when Jeffers and Vazquez proposed a challenge. I honestly don't recall a single time they were wrong in their challenges. That shouldn't be surprising since they are both experienced and quite smart. While it's true that the bench COULD just call the game, there remains an ebb and flow to the game, and the interactions between the pitcher and catcher as to what's working, and what's not. So I don't know that that's necessarily true, or at least entirely accurate. And a catcher still needs to receive the ball well, within any system, and block the plate. He also needs to be able to throw reasonably well to prevent teams from running too successfully. I still believe the relationship between the catcher and staff is of great importance. A good catcher works with the pitcher based on all pre-game meetings and overviews. That's not going away. The catcher will see things someone in the dugout might miss. It's not just a video game of what pitch to call next. Again, I like the challenge system as I feel it gives a good catcher the ability to get calls correct. And for now, at least, I think that's a huge improvement. Of course, it works the same for BOTH teams. I completely understand having a young catcher like Harper, athletic and a huge bat, and moving them elsewhere to save on their bodies and be able to play that special bat on a daily basis. There are only many Rodriguez's, Mauer's, and Posey's who can stay behind the plate for 100 games and be special hitters. I just don't see the ABS completely changing the overall value of what a catcher needs to do, and their importance to working with the staff. So I don't see some sort of revolution where teams just suddenly place good hitters behind the plate who are limited in other tasks. I like the Twins approach of sharing duties with a pair of good catchers, knowing they can DH once in a while. I like finding the best combination of defense and offense I can find, unless I find one of those SPECIAL guys to be the primary, undisputed #1. The Twins did pretty well with Mauer as the #1 and Redmond as a solid #2. But then again, Mauer was a special player. They haven't been so lucky with Vazquez as a compliment to Jeffers in an offensive way. But as a GM, unless I find that SPECIAL #1, I'm looking for the best combo I can find for defense and offense. Because even when and if the ABS comes in to play, and the idea of pitch framing would seem to disappear, the responsibilities of the catcher calling a game, playing solid defense, throwing decently, and working with the staff aren't going to change.

A BAT. Look, Festa has great potential and SWR HAS shown previously he can be solid. And Sims is also young enough to still hold potential. But if they falter badly, or another injury happens before Matthews comes back...Lopez in August...it's not going to matter. Despite all their inconsistency this season, the Twins have the potential still for a decent lineup. Correa and Wallner need to find themselves. Jeffers is fine, but could be better. Castro has been great. I still feel Larnach is solid, but I sure like him better lower in the lineup. Lewis and Keaschall back in July can make a real difference. (Keaschall is not as good as his debut, but hes still really talented). The Twins have enough flexible pieces, despite some poor bench options, where they can fit a BAT in almost anywhere. Other than Catcher, CF, or SS, there isn't a spot they can't work a hitter in to the lineup. A better 1B? France has been solid and dependable, but not irreplaceable. A DH or OF? Bader and Larnach move around. A 3B? Lee plays mostly at 2B. (Further development from Lee doesn't hurt either). Add a BAT that can settle in to the heart of the order, a couple guys step up, Lewis and Keaschall come back in July, I can still see a top 10 offense. But the lineup needs a SPARK from SOMEWHERE.

Well, the last depth piece is removed for the moment. And I've been fairly impressed with Morris, despite some inconsistency this season. Next up would be Adams, I assume, at least as a 3-4 inning opener. I'm betting they begin to stretch him out. After that, who knows? The recently promoted Baker, having a good AA season after coming over from St Louis, McCaughan, or old friend Dobnak? Matthews can't get back soon enough.

I've been pleasantly surprised by France's defense. But agree with @JD-TWINSthat it's really hard to believe Buxton would only rank in the middle of CF defensive rankings. While he doesn't play as "fully abandoned" as he did earlier in his career, the guy is still outstanding in CF. But then again, there are so many different forms for how defense is measured, and so many different variances, that I take all defensive metrics with a grain of salt.

I really enjoy the updates and the conversation about the individual players, regardless of what exact order they are in. Really pleased by the early development of Culpepper. I was lukewarm about his selection, but he's a better SS than scouting reports stated, and he's got a good mix of pop and speed. A good rest of the season at AA for him, and Jenkins, could have them potentially both at AAA next season. Hill has been outstanding! But is he ready for CR yet? Keep in mind he's still building up his body AND his arm. I don't see him throwing more than 70 pitches at any time this rookie season. I don't mind some patience with him. But then again, if he can replicate close to how hes throwing now, 3-4 IP at A+ would be an added positive. I'm just not as high on Olivar as some people. He can hit and seems to have good zone control. But he doesn't have much power or speed. His arm doesn't play behind the plate, even if he improves his game calling and defense there. I think he's a RH bench bat/platoon OF who can be your 3rd catcher. On the other hand, I think Diaw is the top catching prospect in the system, though raw. Hes got bat potential and is a much better athlete than you normally see at catcher. I think he's a guy who you just groom to stay behind the dish and end up with at least a decent catcher with a better than average bat. IMO, Cardenas is probably the #2 option in the system right now, or potentially tied with another young option in Ferrer, similar to Diaw. Except for a horrible 2024, he's reportedly to be a solid backstop and his CS% is solid. Not much power, but he makes decent contact and has a good eye, resulting in a solid pro OB% so far. I'm not down on Soto, and I personally wouldn't drop him due to his injury. He's absolutely one of the best arms in the system, hes just out right now. He flashed real potential in 2024 and was off to a great start here in '25. He just needs to get back on the mound for the 2nd half. Based on what hes done previously, I'm not completely "down" on Lewis, but he sure isn't looking like the pitcher he was previously. Here's hoping it's just mechanical issues and not something more. But he clearly deserves a slip down in the rankings. At not yet 23yo, and reportedly possessing some nasty secondary stuff, they're going to keep Raya in a starting role as long as possible. (I've never thought he'd be up this season despite being on the 40 man). His command/control is still an issue. But if the light comes on? I keep hearing his FB, despite good velocity, is annoying issue. Can they change the shape of the pitch? Does he need an arm slot adjustment? I can definitely see a move to the pen at some point where he might surprise. But for now, he's a work in progress who will probably remain in the rotation to begin 2026, but definitely a downgrade in rankings based on his performance so far. I don't think Eeles is just a good story with a single, magical year. But hes only just got back to AAA about a week ago. He needs time to get timing and swing back, as well as flash some of the pop he's flashed. (POP, not power). A couple guys not mentioned that I've been intrigued by are Rosario and G Gonzalez. Rosario got off to a terrible start but has really picked it up the last month or so. And GG has been pretty great all year. They aren't proven yet, and each has some warts to work through, but they might be better RH OF options over Olivar. Lastly, a quick shout out...and I can't believe I'm saying this...to Aaron Sabato. The one time prospect and recently turned 26yo looks like a completely different player this season. He's only got 7 games at AAA so far, SSSS, but he's off to a great start. We often talk about a prospect's development not being linear. And it's true. But is there even a chance he was just a late bloomer who finally figured out how to hit at a professional level? It would be a great and rewarding story if possible.

In regard to the OP, the answer is YES and NO. I've been a rather strong advocate for seeing what you have at AAA when someone is doing well. You might catch lightening in a bottle, MAYBE you get a good role/bench player out of it. When Wallner and Buxton were both hurting and McCusker was brought up he got 6! PA in his stay. And they were scattered. And just recently we faced a large group of LHP. He should have been given opportunities over the past 2-3 weeks to see if he could hit maybe .230 and hit some doubles and run in to a couple HR bombs. But with the OF healthy again, im not sure I currently see an opportunity for him to play much. Granted, Castro doesn't HAVE to play only OF, he can slide to the INF and McCusker can play some OF, in addition to DH. I keep wondering what Eeles might be doing now had he not had his offseason surgery? Would be be a sparkplug for the team? Or would he be languishing for St Paul? And if he keeps doing well, and some of the pop we saw from him last season cones back, do they give him a shot? Or do they keep him down just waiting for Keaschall and that's it? My point is Castro was more or less a cast off, as were Clemens and Bride. Castro has turned out great, Clemens has made real contributions, will hopefully get hit again, and I guess Bride can at.least field a little bit and toss an inning in a blowout. (Yipee). Yes to giving shots to guys when your offense is struggling because you have nothing to lose and might gain something. But im not sure I see a fit with McCusker NOW, unless they just move on from Bride, or someone else gets hurt.

It's a fair question that doesn't necessarily have an easy answer. I'm referencing opportunities in general. For instance, Lewis is out now. Buxton missed time with his concussion. Wallner was out for quite a while. Can Bride not hit? Or does he not hit because he doesn't play? If he can't hit, then why is he rostered? So when the offense is struggling, when guys are out, I just don't understand not giving players in your own system a shot when they're doing well at AAA. Totally agree that the team doesn't win if Correa, Wallner, and others don't produce.

Really interesting that the Vikes have been tied to Alexander for months. He signed for $4M on a 1yr deal. I'm surprised by the deal, despite missing half of each of the past 2 seasons. It's a huge win for Baltimore if he's healthy. This tells me they not only don't trust his health, but more importantly, it tells me how much the coaching staff trusts in the CB on hand. But you're talking about adding from cuts and PS players. My point is you can't go to camp, scrimmage, and play 3 preseason games, and have only 5 SAFETIES on the roster. You aren't going to play Smith, Metellus, and Jackson more than a few quarters in games. So all scrimmages and all 3 preseason games you're going to play mostly Ward and rookie FA Powell and that's it? Unless the plan is to move some of the CB depth to SAFETY for camp and the preseason, you've got to have depth and bodies to get through all of that to get ready for the season. I mean, Ward might get a TON of time in his 3rd year to continue his development, but you will only have a rookie FA as the 5th SAFETY? That screams overuse of your potential roster players to me. I just think they have to bring in a body to provide camp depth at worst, a potential depth piece with potential at best.

I can do math, but I was an English major. LOL. kudos to you

Going to begin by echoing some early comments that what the team really needs is Correa and Wallner to get hit again, and the return of Lewis and Keaschall in July. That changes a lot of the complexion of the offense. Getting Matthews back relatively soon....fingers crossed...adds to the rotation depth/options as well. 3 points: 1] It appears myself, and others, may have been wrong about Keirsey as a potentially "decent" hitter. He provides defense and speed off the bench, and there's usefulness there. Now, to be fair, he hasn't had much of anything close to regular playing time, but he sure hasn't seized any of the opportunities afforded him. MAYBE Clemens is on a slump and will break out of it and be a solid/decent contributor again. Bride was actually pretty good in 2024. But what blows me away is having injuries, and a struggling offense, and they are rostering 3 complete non factors on the bench, 2 of which never play more than a couple innings a week, and one who HAS made contributions but remains a question mark. Meanwhile, there's virtually nobody at AAA to save the day. Martin and Rodriguez are out with injuries, and both Miranda and Julien haven't done anything to warrant a promotion. Who IS producing at AAA? Gasper, who you thought enough of to trade for, and McCusker and Eeles, who you thought enough of to sign and develop, who have crushed at every level since. There's a good chance Gasper is just a AAAA player and that's all. But he's only had 39 PA with the Twins. McCusker might also just be a AAAA quality player. He certainly has limitations. But he gets 6 PA before being sent down. 6! Eeles is literally getting his legs under him, and so far in SSS hasn't shown the pop he did previously. So maybe he's still a ways away from possibly contributing, to be fair. But MAYBE Gasper can hit a little and get OB a little. MAYBE McCusker only hits .220 with a bunch of K's, but also stokes some doubles and parks a few HR. At least they MIGHT contribute. What are Keirsey and Bride doing on the roster other than getting splinters and a couple AB a week? With an offense stuck in neutral, why not TRY something different, and hope for some hot streaks? For the upteenth time, what do you have to lose? Just STOP obsessing about depth! Your depth pieces aren't doing anything to help the offense or helping to win games. 2] The Twins could still use a BAT regardless of what position. SOMEONE who could deepen the lineup and produce. IDK who, and don't care what position, you figure that part out. But is there a rental you can grab for a cheap, lower level prospect or two? If so, make the deal, help your offense. 3] You DON'T trade ANYONE listed in the OP unless you are getting someone who is controllable for AT LEAST another year, if not two. While this FO hasn't always succeeded in trades, the Cruz, Petty, and Arraez moves have been excellent. EXTRA: I have no problem making trades of talent for talent. It's part of baseball, and part of having prospects to trade. But the LIFEBLOOD of a mid market team is developing your own talent. Not every prospect makes it. But the more talent you have, the greater your chances of finding those that DO make it increase. I'd rather stick with what we have and get ready for 2026 and beyond unless there's a "cheap" BAT add to be had. I'd ONLY trade any top prospects if we get a talented, young, controllable player. But who's trading a player like that?? This isn't a BAD team. It's a team with injuries and underperformance from the talent on hand. I'd grab a BAT on the cheap if available. Otherwise, sorry to say, I'd trust in what we have, and coming back, for a solid/strong 2nd half, and see what happens. But I'd ALSO take a gamble or two on the options I've listed. Again, what do you have to lose?

I don't know enough about his defense and game calling to know if he's worth looking at. Maybe he's solid considering the plan WAS for him to be the #1 for Boston when the season started. His CS% is around 20%. That's not great, but it's not completely awful either. Offensively, he was productive in MILB. And his 2023 numbers were solid, especially for a catcher. His 2024 was even better. Potentially, he's somewhere between those seasons, which is fine for a #2 if he's actually solid behind the plate. He's also pre-arbitration at this point, and won't reach FA until 2029. So he won't be very expensive. My concern is A] just how good is his defense/game calling, B] as a late bloomer, is his bat closer to his MILB and 2023-24 numbers, or closer to his poor 2025 season? If those 2 questions are answered in the positive, he'd be a solid #2 backstop that won't cost much $, is controllable for the next few years, and could be a smart add if the trade cost is a lower level flier prospect or two. If the answer to those 2 questions is negative or questionable, they should probably look elsewhere.

It's my understanding that the $425M in debt is not operating costs for the Twins, but rather, it's debt incurred by the Pohlad's borrowing against the franchise. At least, I've heard it explained/speculated as such. With the Rays sale setting the bar, I don't think the Pohlad's asking price of $1.7B is out of line. But the debt isn't the responsibility of a new buyer. The $425M should be included in the $1.7B sale price. That means the Pohlads walk away with a clear $1.65B. I don't know exactly HOW the $425M is paid off, as in who exactly writes the check, but it's part of the purchase price.

Obviously, he just needs to be healthy the rest of the season. I don't want to put numbers on him, but just for giggles, let's just say he hits in the .280 range with a .350ish OB%, and strokes 14 Dbls, 10 HR and steals 10 bases while playing good defense. Maybe month to month his numbers increase, showing growth. With his talent, and a half season + with number like that I'd say he's ready for AAA in 2026.

I'm really confused about opinions on Lee. He was considered the most polished, pure hitter in the 2022 draft. He had a high floor, and a pretty decent ceiling. The Twins were lucky to grab him with the 8th pick that year. He went to the FCL for a couple of games, and was quickly promoted to CR at A+ where he raked before getting 2 games and 8 PA at AA. He spent most of 2023 at AA as a 22yo, where he raked. He moved to AAA later in the season and was OK, but not great. He bounced around a bit in 2024 due to injury but produced a .974 OPS at AAA with quality production before a ML promotion. We know the rest of the story. He raked when promoted, gets hurt, etc. But this kid is only 24yo with 2 1/2 years of MILB duty behind him. He's a solid glove wherever you place him. He's playing daily, which I've stated has to take place. He's got got good instincts. He knows how to play the game. His recent hot streak shouldn't be dismissed. He's still growing as young player. His current BABIP might be unsustainable, but his growing approach can make him a really solid offensive player. Once the swing and miss becomes a better K/BB percentage he's ready to be a more consistent performer. I'm not sure about 20 HR performance, but I see mid teens HR with 30 Dbls and a solid AVG and solid OB. But I don't think luck is involved here. I think we're watching a young prospect developing right in front of us.

But you're talking about adding from cuts and PS players. My point is you can't go to camp, scrimmage, and play 3 preseason games, and have only 5 SAFETIES on the roster. You aren't going to play Smith, Metellus, and Jackson more than a few quarters in games. So all scrimmages and all 3 preseason games you're going to play mostly Ward and rookie FA Powell and that's it? Unless the plan is to move some of the CB depth to SAFETY for camp and the preseason, you've got to have depth and bodies to get through all of that to get ready for the season. I mean, Ward might get a TON of time in his 3rd year to continue his development, but you will only have a rookie FA as the 5th SAFETY? That screams overuse of your potential roster players to me. I just think they have to bring in a body to provide camp depth at worst, a potential depth piece with potential at best.

Like others, I am an optimist and refuse to stop being one. Right NOW, they are an average team with potential. I just don't know if they CAN maintain until the break. I sure hope they can! Correa was great before he missed time last season, and was great when he came back. I simply refuse to believe such a well conditioned, smart player is suddenly losing his bat at 30yo! I fully expect him to have a strong 2nd half, I just hope his 2nd half starts soon. We also need Wallner and Jeffers to get hot again soon. IF Lewis's latest injury is truly mild, he should be back in July. He was starting to look like his old self before this injury. Very possible he has a strong 2nd half as well. On the youth side, Keaschall will be back in July as well. He won't be the Superman he was in his debut, but hes a well rounded and high quality player who appears ready for MLB. He doesn't have to be as good as he was in his debut to make a difference. I'm NOT betting on it, but what if E Rodriguez comes back fairly soon and gets hot, like he was flashing before his latest setback? Could he MAYBE bring a spark to the lineup the way Wallner did in 2023? What if Eeles keeps raking and producing at St Paul and his "pop" suddenly comes back? Could he bring a spark along WITH Keaschall for the 2nd half? While there's some "IF's" in there, most of what I stated is pretty practical. Unfortunately, the problem may be the pitching injuries. No Lopez until August is a problem. Stubborn or real, Ober insists a sore hip isn't his problem, it's mechanics. Can he just maintain solid starts with his secondary stuff and smarts, and straighten out his mechanics to be at least solid with a sore hip? I'm not betting against Paddack RIGHT NOW after only the 2nd poor start of his season. I doubt his total IP for the SEASON, but considering how well he's been tossing, I'm not losing faith after only his 2nd bad start. I have a lot of belief in Festa, basically a rookie. The Festa who threw so well in 2024 after a poor couple early appearances is the REAL Festa, IMO. Personally, I'm throwing away the start against the A's because of weird circumstances. I'm betting on the 2024 and early 2025 version and him growing and getting better as he gains experience. Again, he's basically a talented rookie settling in. As of TODAY, with what little we know, Matthews might not be out long. That helps. But in the meantime, we need SWR to be the solid 2024 version of himself that was solid and growing before running out of steam at the end. With a talented "rookie" in the rotation, and another talented "rookie" hopefully back in about a month, it's imperative that Sim takes a step forward. But with Lopez out, and Ober not quite right...hopefully that's all...the 8th man in the pen is going to be interesting. I'm expecting no initial greatness from Adams, but he provides a really interesting option to be a middle man bridge to help eat innings and keep the Twins in games without over using the rest of a good pen. The problem is he's the only other 40 man option other than Raya who has options and can be sent down if we need to re-load that 8th spot for a few days. Do we play the DFA game with McCaugan, Dobnak, Wentz, and Tonkin? Or do they make room for someone like Morris...promoted too early but get his feet wet...in order to play the up and down game for that 8th spot? It changes a LOT if Matthew's injury is mild and he's back soon. But for NOW, that 8th spot suddenly becomes important. ONE RUN games are killing the Twins record due to the offense, not the pen or rotation. And while there are real possibilities for the offense to be better and rise to top 15, maybe even top 10 status in regard to runs scored, I'm worried about the rotation even though I believe in Festa and have SOME belief in SWR. The Twins MIGHT have a pitching issue between Ober not being himself and Lopez out, along with Matthews. But Festa is as good or better a prospect than Matthews. Let's just bet Ober guts it out and figures it out, and SWR continues to mature and pitch like he did most of 2024. That's the ideal result. I worry about how one of the best and deepest rotations in all of MLB are suddenly being tested. But my greatest concern is blown opportunities to win games by an inconsistent offense that has too much talent to be so far below average. Even with questions and worry about the rotation, I STILL believe an uptick in the player roster providing better production can lead the team to a better than .500 record, 85-90 wins. But it only happens if they take a step or two forward. The bite is, they ARE capable of being better than they have been. But once again, NO CONSISTENCY.

I'm as depressed, bummed out, frustrated, and even confused as anyone over the past 2 weeks. I'm not giving up for a few reasons: 1] The SWR we saw in 2024 was OK, but got better and showed growing confidence as the season went along. His return from St Paul was pre-mature, and awful. But he looked much more like his 2024 self in his 2nd turn. Can he duplicate that to any sort and be his 2024 self? If so, the rotation can still be OK. 2] The Festa we saw in 2024, and his first few starts in 2025, is NOT the guy we saw hopping a last second flight to CA to throw off a tough mound in his first start back. His next start is much more of what I expect. I think hes a fixture for the future. His time might be now. Can he be remotely consistent? 3] I don't have much belief in Wentz. But a former solid prospect at 27yo converting to the pen is at least interesting. I'd reserve judgment until I see him again. He wasn't bad for Pittsburgh. Maybe he's a decent conversion candidate who the Twins can tinker with and turn in to something? He could also be DFA in a week. Because... 4] I really think they need the 8th spot to be a guy or two who can help eat a couple innings and keep the Twins in games. Adams needs a shot, and he's probably going to get one. I'm not sure who else qualifies considering thr 40 man roster and lack of options for other candidates. The problem remains the offense. Correa has been much better. Now he's slumping some. We still have a while 2nd half of the season to play. Jeffers, Larnach, and Wallner are a bit streaky. Sucks when everyone seems to get cold at the same time, but those 3 are solid bats. Does Keaschall provide a spark come July? Lee is growing and getting better. Can Lewis actually be healthy for the 2nd half? I'm not betting on it, but he's a difference maker when he is, as he was just starting to round in to shape before this most recent "mild" hamstring injury. There's still enough here to be a competent, middle of the league offense with some top 10 potential. Unless Ober implodes, the rotation still has a chance to be solid/good, but the 8th BP spot might come in to play in an unexpected way. I'm just looking for the entire staff to work together to mitigate the loss of Lopez, and Matthews to a certain degree. It still comes down to the offense. And I don't see ownership making any additions that could help.

The fact that the Dodgers have excellent scouting and a great MILB system makes "stealing" Serrano from them a potential coup. But I just can't comment on a 17yo DSL kid other than to say I hope he keeps it up. Other than as a footnote, Acura should never be compared to his brother. I think that's obvious. But the fact that he shows such a good base to work from in regard to contact and discipline is promising. I think Rosario has gotten a bum rap from a lot of people after a disappointing 2024. He was a monster in 2023 for CR winning the league's MVP award, and showing much better discipline than he had shown previously. His power in the last AFL was down, but his other numbers were up from his previous AFL stint. But a mediocre 2024 at AA and then being injured after 70 games hurt his "look". A slow start to this season hasn't helped. But as the OP states, he's been raking for some time now. The approach is good, the power and the numbers are good, and he's rounding in to form. Being productive as a 22yo at AA is good stuff. He's not a great athlete, but he's not a poor one either. His SB surge this season would seem to indicate he's not just a statue. Reportedly, he's got a good arm. He might be stiff in RF, but he's young enough to loosen up, and improve reads, and become at least an acceptable OF, even on a part time basis. Actually, he sounds a lot like his teammate Gabriel Gonzalez. If one of those two could become decent defensively, the Twins might have a solid, productive RH OF/DH in the near future. But since the OP focused on teenagers, I want to give a shout out to a couple near/recent teens in Winokur and Questad. After a poor start to the season, Winokur has adjusted and put up some solid numbers. And after a pretty bad debut in the FCL in 2024, Questad has made a solid adjustment to Ft Myers. While his ERA and BB numbers aren't very good, his hit and K per 9 and looking very good.