DocBauer

I was really disappointed they couldn't find a better RB UDFA option. I mean, RB have dropped in value the past decades and many quality runners can be found latter on. But Owens was the best we could do? COME ON! I would be extatic if Thomas and Thomas were both as good as they appear to be potentially. Flores has a keen eye and loves his SAFETYS. I'm going to disagree with you a bit on Gerhardt. And I shouldn't do so because I really like Lemieux as a STEAL who will add 10lbs of muscle on the PS, further adapt to CENTER, and do a "Birk" and take over the position. But I just have this "itch" in my brain that says the staff sees something in Gerhardt that the rest of don't. is he another Sullivan? It would be amazing if they were right.

I'm at the point where I am just DONE with blasting ownership BLOWING the entire offseason with incompetence. I am NOW only focused on 2026. The "good news" is that Gomez is still only 26yo...not a 33yo PLUS...and actually has a pretty solid MILB set of numbers. His MILB numbers indicate too many BB per 9, but good HITS per 9 and good K per 9. When you're scrambling, you look for positives. Over the years, including current leadership, they HAVE found a few arms here and there that either provided quality pen production for a few years, or even a single season. MAYBE the Twins unlock something in the 26yo Gomez, or maybe he's gone in a couple weeks. I think I'd rather take a shot on a 26yo who MIGHT have found the right team, at the right time, and maybe something "clicks" vs another 39yo has been. What really FRUSTRATES me is woulda-coulda-shoulda. The injury to Lopez has actually been mitigated by Bradley. And Abel has shown he's ready to advance. HOPEFULLY he's back relatively soon. Prielipp has looked surprisingly ready, though I expect a few clunkers along the way. SIM is WAY BETTER than what we've seen so far. But there is a "trickle down" affect to injuries that has hurt an already questionable bullpen. Imagine a BP where a healthy, and experienced, Festa is cranking 99mph FB with his other pitches. MAYBE Lewis is shoving 94mph, tossing a few breaking pitches, and then freezing batters with that CRAZY Knuckleball ball for 1-2 innings. How about Morris NOT still being stretched out "just in case" but being allowed to throw MAX for 1 IP? And the same with the newly promoted Klein? I could be wrong, but when I read the MILB reports, look at his numbers, it sure seems like he's good for 1-2 IP before he gives up runs. The K numbers are still good. And while I still have questions about what a healthy Adams might do at the ML level, MAYBE he learned a thing or two in his rookie debut in 2025 where he could MAYBE be a 1-3 middle man who doesn't stink. Lopez's injury didn't destroy the rotation, thankfully. But injuries to Festa, maybe Lewis and Adams, changed the possible complection of the bullpen. I understand not wanting to convert Morris to a high velocity late inning arm right now based on "we might need him" in the rotation. The same might be said in regard to Klein. But at what point do you just realize the Twins would be above .500 and leading the ALC if the pen wasn't the worst in all of MLB? I don't think Morris couldn't be a solid #4 or #5 rotation option. The potential is there. But he and Klein have "Jax" potential. By that I mean they can crank a FB in the high 90's, but also have another 2-3-4 offerings to confuse batters. So what's more important NOW? We hold on to rotational depth for a season that is a work in progress? Or we just say "the hell with it" and stop playing games. I'm ready to let Morris and Klein just cut loose. I'm OK with Gomez as I've stated because he's got a decent arm. Why not? But STOP ignoring the arms on hand! Free them and let them throw the hardest and the best they can!

I see real merit for the 4 IP every 4 days in MILB for several reasons: 1] A drafted pitcher very rarely debuts until the following season, instead they work on the side with instructors in Ft Myers. So there is a natural build up to begin the next season, their 1st professional debuts. 2] It makes sense for a pitcher coming off injury the previous season to again, ramp up. 3] It does allow more arms to get in multiple innings of work to develop their offerings. 4] It's a good way to take those arms that might not seem to project as ML SP, but have some interesting qualities, to work on their "stuff" beyond some immediate shift to the bullpen where they only get, usually, 2 innings to throw. More time to develop their repetoire is a good thing. And you might occasionally get a surprise development where you want to give them a legitimate shot at being a SP. But while I see real merit to the 4 & 4, there's also a major pitfall if this goes beyond the parameters listed above. The most important one being, how does a SP develop the ability to throw 5-6 innings at the ML level if his arm has been trained to throw 4 IP at a time? I recognize that a TOP PROSPECT would probably not be subject to the 4 & 4 beyond their introduction to pro ball, or building up post injury, but let's just say Quick was used in this way this season, and maybe next. (I doubt he would, but I'm using him for reference sake). So now he's ready for a ML debut, fast tracked due to talent and production, to debut late 2027 or early 2028. His arm and experience facing lineups is only geared to 4 IP per turn. And NOW you want 5 or 6 IP from him at the ML level? An exaggeration for sure, but I think the point has been made. It should be adapted ONLY for the reasons I've listed above. At the ML level, it's not uncommon for a rookie arm to be nursed a bit early. The Twins did this sort of thing with Ober and SWR initially. They're kinda-sorta doing it with Prielipp currently. But unless roster sizes change...which I want, but that's a completely different discussion...it ONLY works for a team that just doesn't have a 5th SP, for example. Instead of the "opener"...which has largely died as an experiment...a team might have a 4 IP option and a piggy back that also isn't fully trusted to be a mainstay to follow. That COULD be a way to mitigate that hole in the rotation, leaving 7 pen arms to still take over additional, more regular, innings. But what if that designated SP, or his piggyback, just have a bad day and blow up? Then you're right back to any NORMAL staff that occasionally has a bad performance day. And you've accomplished nothing. It's still an interesting idea to pursue at the ML level if your 1 starter short to try. Maybe it works 75-80 % of the time and you get good results. But I just don't see a ML practically of the idea. But again, it could be a really good way to build up a SP his first couple of seasons. And it's a good way to build up a "questionable" arm that could either surprise, or simply gain more IP to just refine his offerings for a middle inning pen role, or an eventual late innings role. But I see little practically for the majority of quality arms within the system, and VERY limited opportunity to be employed at the ML level.

In a season of disappointment, SIM ranks at the top IMO. I've never thought he would be a top 1-2, but I thought he had a chance to be a #3 based on youth, and the way his splitter worked so well the second half of 2025. I mean, that splitter was WOW. But SUDDENLY that AMAZING splitter is gone. Why? Is it an injury problem we don't know about? Or is it a mechanical or mental issue? The "normal" SWR is a solid back end SP that is FINE. But he found that splitter last season that made him a better than average SP. He really doesn't have enough STUFF to be anything in the BP other than to be an innings eater. But not only is not that his role, but it dismisses his potential as a SP. So where is the guidance? It's mechanical or mental or both. You just can't have improvement and a great pitch and just lose it. It's up to Maki and SIM to figure it out. And they'd better do so soon.

So I took a week off to reflect on the draft, and read various opinions on the selections made, as well as digging in to the UDFA signings. The draft is simply not the way I would have run things, but I'm still waiting for the day they ask my opinion, lol But I'm never going to be down on a draft that adds to the trenches. And while again, it's not the way I would have drafted, I think we need to look at each selection on their own merit. BANKS: Take away the foot injury, I don't know that he reaches the Vikes at 18. DT wasn't deep this year, but there were some interesting prospects. But Banks is absolutely the most talented of the bunch and has serious upside. Rumor has it a few other clubs also were willing to "bank" on the positive medical reports and grab him in the 20's. GOLDAY: I really like the length and speed and athleticism he provides. A definitite Flores choice here. He might see limited reps as a rookie, but Flores has a plan for this kid. ORANGE: A true NT to stuff the run and tie up blockers for the LB/EDGE to make plays. ANY kind of pocket pushing/rush ability developed and he could be a beast. TIERNAN: I didn't see OT as a NEED this early. But again, I will never complain about adding talent to the trenches. He's massive, moves well, and can play either spot. Just needs to sustain blocks a little more. THOMAS: Again, a Flores pick, IMO. A smart kid with a good frame who sort of replaces Bynum a year late, with a physical play style. A little better run fit tackling, from what I read, and he might be a really solid player. BREDESON: I understand some angst about drafting a FB this early. But this kid is the real deal as a blocker. Bigger than Ham, maybe an even better blocker, he supposedly has good hands despite seldom being used as a receiver. With some recent coaching changes, it appears KOC is prepared to lean in to a better running game than previous seasons. Bredeson is part of that lean. My biggest question is can he be an effective ball carrier for some short yardage plays and traps that Ham was good at. DEMMINGS: If you just built a CB from the ground up, you'd probably have Demmings. He's tall, long, fast, explosive, and seems to have natural cover ability. He has to adjust to a different level, but he's only expected to be the #4 CB as a rookie. CLAIBORNE: While he's been compared to De'Von Achane, as a lifelong Vikings fan, he reminds me a lot of Darrin Nelson. Very similar size and ability. Even if he's a speedy #2 RB and dangerous receiver, this is a great pick. I'm actually surprised they got him this late. GERHARDT: This pick has some lighting attached to it. With CENTER as an obvious need, I was totally surprised that the team didn't make this a priority pick earlier. Maybe instead of Tiernan in the 3rd round? But he was actually part of the Vikes top 30 prospects brought in. I can't recall now where I read it, but I did see that he was an intended target of theirs. What's totally bizarre to me is Vikings history of quality CENTERS. Tingelhoff was an UDFA when the draft was 20 rounds. Was Swilley even a draft choice? Lowdermilk was a 3rd round pick IIRC. Christy was a 4th round pick of the Cardinals, IIRC, as a OG, and signed by the Vikings in the old Plan "B" FA years ago. Sullivan and Birk were both 6th round selections. But when they tried to draft a CENTER early like Elflein and Bradburry, they kinda whiffed. I'm kinda thinking Tiernan's selection was based on Brandel ACTUALLY being their CENTER of choice to enter 2026. And I've been pounding the table for a couple years that he should be playing OC to increase his value. But I never saw him as the starter there. So I still have questions. But apparently they really like Gerhardt. So I'm holding out some hope that they have a diamond in the rough here. I'm going to argue a bit with @Danchatconcerning the collection of UDFA. I think they did pretty well once again, though I was disappointed they didn't find a better 5th RB than Kejon Owens from Florida International. He's got a good resume of production, but he's a grinder kind of back, limited speed and quickness. But I think there are some very interesting options here. THORSON: My goodness, the Aussie was the Ray Guy winner who has a very nice AVG and NET AVG...based on great hang time...and a solid coffin corner resume. He was supposed to be a 5th-7th round pick and went un-selected. Two PUNTERS were actually drafted and his numbers were better. WTH? This could be an under appreciated steal. The Vikings signed 3 CB. Marcus Allen from NC was supposed to be drafted. He's got good measurables that compare to Demmings. And he played in a good conference. Absolute similar comments for Da'Veawn Armstead from North Texas, at a lower level school. Biggest issue might be "tightness" in the hips and lower level of competition between the two. But I think the UDFA CB we should be looking at is Tyreek Chappell from Texas A&M. While he's played outside, he's a smaller, and natural nickel corner. When he was hurt in 2024 and missed most of the season, the A&M pass defense took a real shot. He's sort of an Antoine Winfield junior type of prospect, without as much physicality. But he might be the best of the 3 signings. We could have an interesting battle for CB #5 between these signings and what's on hand. I actually think Jacob Thomas from James Madison might surprise as much as his team has done. His physical numbers are solid, as was his production in 2025. Small school prejudice to not being drafted? He's a perfect PS candidate. I keep hearing the Vikes STOLE WR Bell from Georgia. He's a tremendous athlete who can kinda do everything. And I even hear he wasn't utilized and developed properly. But he runs poor routes and is a body catcher. So he's a PS option at best. Knotts saved his best for last, and Wysong from Wyoming is a speed demon without production. I just don't see any of them sticking around. MAYBE Bell on the PS. I think they whiffed here. I think they MIGHT have added a couple ILB that could be interesting. Scooby Williams has the size/speed/athleticism ratio to be a very good off the ball ILB. But he also has an injury history that prevented him from being drafted. And there is a chance that Lawson from UCF is a steal. He bounced between VA Tech and UCF, but he's a wonderful athlete with potential. I'm not high on either, but both are worth watching in camp and the pre-season to see if they step forward. I think the FO BLEW opportunity late in the draft and UDFA by NOT getting Mason Reigar from Wisconsin. I know he was on their list. He might only end up as a #3 EDGE player, but he was a massive miss IMO. Stewart, a late development player from Temple is the only guy who has a chance to impress IMO. BUT, I'm actually kind of excited about the UDFA OL signed. I think Delby Lemieux from Dartmouth is a potential steal. He's a small school OT who was invited to the Senior Bowl and worked out as a CENTER and reportedly held his own. Add 10lbs and spend a year on the PS, do we get another Birk kind of prospect? Tomas Rimac, OG, spent time at West VA and then VA Tech, and only allowed 2 sacks and 41 pressures in his career. He's a massive OG. I understand OG aren't often drafted unless they're special. But why wasn't this guy drafted late at least? And I'm confused about OT Tistan Leigh from Clemson. The size seems to be there. He was a top recruit. He only allowed 7 sacks and 61 pressures in his career for a top program. So I'm guessing the footwork means he's a OG in the future? UDFA was a HUGE miss in regard to WR, RB, and EDGE. But it might have been a nice collection of S, CB, ILB, and OL talent. There's at least a couple prospects here to watch, mostly at CB and ILB. But IMO, the BEST signing might be Lemieux. He gains 10lbs of muscle and gets a year on the PS, we might just get the next Birk at CENTER for the future.

I despise seeing guys get hurt. But I'm not going to lie and say watching Bradley, Abel, Prielipp, and Morris...with a small dash of Rojas...hasn't been exciting. I understand keeping Morris stretched out as far as possible for a rotation return, but I'd really like to see him go all out for a single inning or two. While Klein's ERA looks bad, some of his peripherals are still solid. Maybe I'm wrong, but when I read the MILB reports, it seems Klein is always good for 1-2 IP before a run scores. So I'm looking forward to see him throw those 1-2 IP. Nice to see Matthews start to get in a groove. Orze has largely been solid. Funderburk has been dependable. In other words, seeing younger and less experienced arms getting their opportunity is not oy fun, but helps build for the future.

Anyone noticing Jaime Ferrer has been performing really well?

At the 3nd of the day, pitching is about changing the hitters eye plane, and mess with their timing. I have suggested previously that he needs to take a little off some.of his other pitches in order to maintain a greater speed variance with the lost velocity on his FB. It's far more complicated than that of course, but you've got to adjust and compensate somehow. Whether or not Ober has actually changed the velocity on his other offerings IDK. But he's clearly made an adjustment somewhere besides just re-sequencing. Can he keep these recent performances up? He's always been much more of a pitcher than a thrower, so perhaps he can.

I know he's a recent pickup and it's only been a SSS, but I've been somewhat impressed with Acton as a middle man option. I hope he's not out long. Why not Garcia at this point? But I do wonder why not someone like Brebia instead and let Morris complete the transition to a high velocity short arm? Just in case they need him in the rotation I guess.

I don't know how you can't be encouraged by what Tait is doing with the bat. But what's just as important is continued growth BEHIND the plate. He's got a good arm and appears to be a mature kid. I have no problem if he spends most of 2026 at A+ to just work on game calling and defense, even if his bat looks ready for AA soon. I have zero problem with Mendez continuing to play some OF. And I'm going to include Gonzalez in this discussion as well. There is no major issue, as I see it, with a 1B ALSO being able to play at least a "competent" corner OF spot once in a while. But IF Mendez has been "lifting" the ball along with his production, he's ready for AAA now. He and Gonzalez should be getting regular turns at 1B for St Paul, along with a couple games in the OF here and there. Not only is there room at St Paul...it's cool that Fedko is getting some time there, but Sabato is no longer a prospect...but it's also a black hole position for the Twins and the best career path for BOTH Gonzalez AND Mendez. And again, there is NOTHING wrong with them also being able to play a little corner OF once in a while. It just deepens the roster flexibility. But opportunity and projected talent indicates the organization should be working both at 1B at this point. I've just never been as high on Olivar as others have been. Some have seen him as a good hitting catcher option who was athletic enough to play CF, without looking deeper. He only played CF in low A ball as a fill-in. He's a LF without great power, and can play catcher as a potential #3. He's just not a real catcher prospect. He's a solid hitter with a solid OB and gap power that leads to some HR here and there. But he's no slugger. He's an OK RH bat who's best position is LF. So he's got a long way to go to replace Martin or Gonzalez as RH options...even if Gonzalez ends up mostly at 1B...and might even be behind Rosario...off to a slow start but should have been at AAA to begin the season...before I can accept him as a legitimate option. It's not his age that bothers me. It's not having any discerning traits that have always made me question his prospect status. He's always been a solid hitter, solid OB, and solid OPS batter. While no speed demon, he can steal a base once in a while, and not clog the bases. That's the profile of an interesting #3-4 OF who can be a #3 catcher. And I just don't know how he fits prospect wise with all that considered.

I thought in the Mets game I saw him take something off his slider once in a while. I thought the same thing last night when watching his performance against the Mariners. I'm glad my eye test has been verified here. His slider is outstanding! The fact that he can tweak it to the point of it almost being 3 different offerings really gives him a leg up. Despite the 2 runs given up against Seattle, I think he actually threw better against them than the Mets game. I would say this is born out due to the fact that he finished 5 innings vs 4 despite throwing almost the exact same number of pitches. I thought the curve and change both looked sharper in this past start, and he even threw a couple nice 2 seamers. I think the key for him right now is better commando his FB. It's a solid pitch with nice velocity. It just feels like his command is either off just a bit, or he just isn't trusting it quite enough yet. But boy has he been encouraging in his debut. He's not a finished product, and there will be some bad days ahead. But he's actually "arrived" earlier than expected. Add in how good Bradley and Abel have looked, and it's hard not to get excited about 2027 and beyond, not that 2026 is over and done yet. Slightly off topic, I generally like what I've seen of Morris so far. I understand keeping him stretched out as much as possible for now for possible rotation depth, but I'd really like to see him cut loose for 1-2 innings MAX and have someone else assume that long role. Also slightly off topic, while he didn't do anything great, Rojas flashed the kind of ability in his brief appearance that has the Twins so excited. I just hope he's not needed again anytime soon so that he can ramp up his innings more. Also, nice to see Matthews start to settle in for St Paul. Finally, in a convoluted season...even in it's brevity...we've already seen the best and worst possible outcomes of the 2026 Twins as constructed. But what has intrigued and excited me the most so far is watching Bradley, Abel, Prielipp, Morris, and even the brief appearance of Rojas. Now, Matthews getting on a role, and Festa back on the mound within the next 30 days, I could start to actually get downright giddy.

Brebbia and Bash both have some experience as SP, mostly over a 2yr period for each, but never on a full time basis.

I had 4 safeties I liked, which I could stretch to 5. Thomas was never a consideration. I knew we couldn't get everything in a single draft, even with a trade down or two. But this draft has me absolutely befuddled at this point. I'm just seeing very little logic in most of the picks.

Sorry, but I don't understand an OT at this point. They aren't desperate for OT depth and projection are they? Really weird pick IMO.

First off, this is not the way I would have drafted. 1] I would traded down and probably still been able to get Banks. Is it possible the Vikings had information someone else was looking to grab him? Forget rankings, IF Banks is healthy, he was the best DL in the whole class. I still wouldn't have made him the #1, but the upside is very, very good. 2] Golday has good size and is a good athlete. And with a pair of 30yo ILB that could, potentially, both be gone in 2027, they needed young talent at the position. I don't dislike this pick. 3] I thought they might draft 2 DL, but I thought the 2nd would be a later selection as a development type. I wouldn't have picked a 2nd DL this early, and I'm not crazy about Orange, but he's got potential. And I have a hard time not embracing the buildup of BOTH lines at any time. 4] I don't like the Grenard trade. I wanted at least a 2nd rounder THIS year. I guess the 3rd in 2027 is a bit of a bonus instead as that draft is supposed to be better and deeper?

Honestly, why are the Twins playing with a 12 1/2 player roster? They did the same thing in 2025 with Keirsey filling the role that Outman has currently. This is not the 70's-80's and even 90's...not to mention previous decades...when pitching staffs were 10-11 arms and the player roster was 14-15. This is a different age where 13 pitchers are the norm, and the position players are also set at 13. There just isn't room any longer to "hide" an exclusive PR/PH defensive replacement player that is seldom used. It's actually a benefit that Caratini can help out at 1B. But he and Jeffers remain primarily catchers. So 13-2 means 11 actual POSITION players, with 9 in your daily lineup. And you can't find a way to use all 11??! This just makes no sense to me. For DECADES managers found ways to use their rosters in a functional way. People forget that Tom Kelly absolutely used platoon at times, but he also found ways to get everyone involved and play time. So why would Rodriguez being promoted to take Outman's roster spot be any different? While Martin is best in LF, he can play some CF/RF. Larnach can DH and see time in LF. Bell is the #1 DH, but can play some 1B once in a while. Wallner has experience in both corner OF spots. Clemens, FWIW, can play multiple spots, as can Gray, including past experience at 1B. Well, Rodriguez can play all 3 OF spots and be a viable backup to Buxton having days off. You need a PR? Well I'd like to think Martin and Rodriguez could do that on their off days. But isn't the most important thing to have a quality lineup with the most production you can get?? 6 games a week, 11 position players, and 2 catchers...with one who can double as a 1B at times...to fill 9 lineup spots and you can't find a way to play your best players 4 or 5 of those 6 games? Again, this just doesn't make sense to me. Lose Outman, promote Rodriguez, and let Shelton devise the best lineup, with the best players playing as often as possible. If he can't figure out how to do that, then he's a poor manager.

I think Martin has proved he has turned a corner. As a result, I do believe he has earned the right to face more RHP at this time. Didn't he get 2 hits against the Mets RH starter a couple days ago? He's spent most of his life batting against RHP, so with the improvement he's shown, you'd think he's at least CAPABLE of being decent against them. And let's be honest, we need the best hitters and OB guys we can get. I don't have a problem with Larnach continuing to play some LF. Perhaps Martin gives Buxton or Wallner a day off here and there. And when Martin starts in LF against RHP, Larnach could DH some and Bell could play a few games at 1B. It doesn't require a magician to find ways to shuffle the lineup a little here and there. In regard to 2B, I want Keaschall to get all the rope he can, and all the time at 2B that he can, to grow defensively and work out of his cold start. You are often rewarded by letting young players grow and develop and live with some speed bumps. But Martin HAS played 2B in college, the minors, and some at the ML level. I don't believe that's his spot. And I don't want to mess with his defensive develop in the OF. But we're not talking about SS or 3B and turning him in to a super utility player. We're just talking about ONE INF spot here and there. So I don't think it's a crazy idea to work him out there and drop him in once in a while to give Keaschall a day off here and there. Since Houston was brought up, it would be FANTASTIC if he could hit .270 with a .360 OB%. But .250 and .340 with his glove would still be very good. Add in some solid base running, double digit SB, and 40-45 XBH could still make him a borderline All Star player. But as has been pointed out, if his bat becomes only Gagne quality, he'd still be a valuable player. With all due respect to Gags, Houston looks like a firm notch above him defensively.

Either the best or worst choice in the entire 1st round. We won't know for 6-24 months for sure. I wouldn't have taken the chance. I would have traded down. I sure hope they are right about recent positive reports concerning his foot.

I think it's a compounded issue that I don't have answer for. I just don't follow the IL signings the way I do the draft due to a collection of 16-17yo being signed who don't even come to the FCL for a year or two. It's hard enough to follow the MILB system as is at times. But I follow the IL close enough to know the Twins have consistently signed a number of "reportedly" top 50+ prospects that you'd think they would have done better the past few years in "wins". I remember being really excited about J Rodriguez a couple years ago but he just bottomed out despite looking like he might follow Emma as the next great OF. IDK if the problem has been scouting or development. Again, the Twins HAVE signed some very highly ranked prospects the last few years. So on paper, they did OK. So again, scouting, development, or bad luck? Currently, Bohorquez has looked good as an arm, as had Oliveres. And they're young enough to still be considered quality prospects. I still have my doubts about Olivar, always have, as an OF/C who just doesn't offer up ENOUGH in any single category to be considered a quality prospect. Others have disagreed. Danny Andrade was even recently considered a legitimate SS prospect with offensive potential. Injuries have curtailed his career so far, unfortunately. Yasser Mercedes was considered a potential 5 tool OF. He's been a massive disappointment so far. But still only 21yo, he's at least off to a good start in 2026 at Ft Myers in his second season there. So there's hope. Dameuey Pena and Eduardo Beltre are having their moments at Ft Myers as well. So I don't think "all is lost' in regards to the Twins IL plan of attack currently. But again, either bad scouting, bad development, or bad luck, they sure haven't hit on much for about 5years running currently. I like the changes they've made the last couple of years in the scouting department. But it will take a couple of years to see if it makes a real difference. I have noticed a couple catchers and arms signed where previously the Twins seemed to concentrate on SS and OF almost exclusively. But no matter what, it's still going to take a couple of years to see if the changes they made are the right ones. I hope they are. Because they basically WHIFFED for about 4 years.

I agree the FB was a little inconsistent. It almost looked like he was overthrowing a few times? The slider was WICKED, as advertised. Not sure if it was trying to "get it over the plate" or him messing with the batters, but I noticed a drop in velocity here and there. I saw a LOT of promise with his new curveball. While it missed at times, I saw a really nice 11-5 bend that could really mess with hitters once he gets better command. Nerves were present. That was obvious. But you could clearly see the STUFF that has all of us excited. He's NOT a finished product just yet. That will take time. What I'm wondering is if they keep him up to replace Abel's spot for now, or do they send him down and move Morris...still stretched out...for the meantime? Considering the pen's need for another arm, one with decent velocity, and Prielipp's potential, I'm thinking Prielipp stays up and Morris sticks in the bullpen. Regarding Rojas, who was brought up, I can see the reason for excitement. He wasn't great, a little wild, probably some nerves involved, but he really held his own and did OK. I DON'T want to set back his timetable as a possible SP, but DAMN does he have some good stuff. It's really tempting to keep him instead of Banda and see what he might bring to the pen along with Morris also sticking around, along with Sands, Funderburk, Rogers, Orze, Topa and the surprising Acton, SSSS allowed. Can they afford to keep a pair of SP arms in the pen like Morris and Rojas without diminishing potential rotation futures and later reinforcement if someone else gets injured? IDK, but the pen, and it's future, sure looks a lot more interesting if they could do so. (Hopefully Laweryson's injury is minor, because he's looked really solid so far).

Absolutely NOT trying to say I'm the smartest guy in the room...that's seldom the case, LOL...I was on record...looking to 2026 and beyond...that Larnach no longer fit the club. And while I'm glad he's doing well so far this season, he won't be back in 2027. And his $ could have been spent elsewhere. IMO, it was Martin and Roden in LF, with Roden able to play all 3 spots, Martin at least two. Rodriguez...with his healthy and excellent Winter Ball performance...taking over RF, and being able to cover Buxton in CF on his off days. Wallner would be the primary DH as a LH, and could still play some OF as well. In retrospect, I still believe this would have been the ideal alignment for the OF. While I didn't exactly like him as the #1 1B, I had no problem with the signing of Bell. I still don't. He's done about everything we could have hoped for so far, even if it changed up the DH spot some. If Rodriguez played for Milwaukee, Cleveland, or Tampa...amongst others...he would have broke camp with them. Especially considering 2 of his options have already been used up. What further boggles my mind is the actual USAGE of the 13 man roster. 30 years ago and further back, when teams still often had 10-11 arms on the team, a team might decide to hold on to a seldom used position player as a late defensive sub and/or PR or PH. But that was with a 14-15 man roster, not the 13 we have now. EVERY one of the 13 spots are important now. Even now, without Outman and Larnach...possibly moved with his good start for a decent pen arm...that 5 man OF I had thought made sense STILL DOES. Add in our 2 catchers, with one able to also play some 1B, that leaves the 6 man INF we have in place currently. No, 1B isn't handled "properly', but you can make it work as is. As a few posters have already stated, between 1B/DH and all 3 OF spots, please don't tell me there isn't room for ALL 13 players to find sufficient playing time and be used. ENOUGH about poor roster construction. You can STILL make changes that can work and make this a better, more dangerous lineup. More than likely, Larnach and Bell will both be gone for 2027, replaced with younger, less expensive, and even more talented prospects. So what? We just wait until the trade deadline, or an injury, or 2027 to just place ALL of the young talent on the roster at once? How about we begin to make room for them once they look ready?? And Rodriguez is ready. And if he struggles a little bit? So what? You give him TIME. Remember when Chourio started slowly for the Brewers? Did they send him back down? No. They let him work it out. And that by a lesson in regard to Keaschall starting a little slow this season, or if Rodriguez hits a speed bump or two. 2026 may or may not be a "competitive" season. As of today, April 23rd, the Twins have been hovering around .500 even with a couple injury setbacks and inconsistent play, and a still very questionable bullpen. (Jeckyl and Hyde bullpen I guess). I doubt many thought the Twins would look as "competitive" as they do currently. But 2026 was ALWAYS about re-tooling at some point, giving the prospects their opportunities. But who decided said opportunities had to be post trade deadline? Why can't the re-tooling begin here in late April or early May? Time for a course correction. Aye-aye skipper. First change in course? Get Rodriguez and Roden up here, and quit playing a 12 man roster!

Flora may not be Skenes, but he sure is a quality arm that looks like a potential staff leader. Not sure I can recall the last time the Twins had an opportunity to draft such a pitching prospect. I suppose Greene instead of Lewis? But that was a HS arm, and not a college arm this proven, and this close to being ML ready. (As opposed to years of development for a HS arm). But it's really hard for me to say no to Lackey. A catcher who can be above average...if not even better...both offensively and defensively would be really tough to pass on. The increased power is really nice, but more BB than K tells me the HIT ability is for real. I agree with @Dmanthat Emerson could be bypassed and slide to the Twins, and that would be just fine, but I'm betting against that for now. You really can't have too many quality SS prospects in your system, what with position moves and such, but I suppose I could see them taking Flora. Hard for anyone to bypass such a top SP option. If that happens, however, the choice would be between Emerson and Lackey. And that would still be a tough choice to make. It's a nice problem to have! Flip a coin and I'll be happy with either Flora or Lackey. But while you draft BPA and not need, Lackey fits BOTH. So he's ultimately my choice.

I guess we've been down this path before, but with Festa getting ready to face live hitters again, it's probably time to do so again. With Lopez out for the year, Abel out for at least a while, and Matthews off to a slow start, there is the temptation to keep Festa as a rotation arm for now. But I think what has to be factored is not just what's best for the Twins, but what's best for Festa himself. In this case...while additional depth for the rotation is still needed...the pen still needs a lot of work, and Festa just seems to be a perfect fit to be moved there. He's got some very good stuff, and his velocity would play up even more in a shorter role. Further, his previous results indicate he's been excellent 1 time through the order, solid a 2nd time, but the results really slip on a 3rd attempt. (Not entirely uncommon of course). Additionally, despite weight/muscle gains, he's still slight of build...perhaps limiting endurance...and some of his recent injuries...even if minor in nature...suggest he may simply be built for a pen role. The move not only makes sense, it's also an opportunity for Festa to excel. We can't just move all rotation arms to the pen tomorrow, of course. But Morris looked pretty good in his first outing, and has more velocity than anyone else in the current pen. And while I don't want to see Rojas transition to the pen so soon, it's really hard not to fantasize him in the pen, at least temporarily. And then you add Festa? Suddenly a pen of Festa, Morris, Rojas, Sands, Funderburk, Rogers, Orze, and "X" doesn't seem so bad at all. Of course, you really can't afford to move BOTH Morris and Rojas to the pen at the moment. But it sure is intriguing to think about.

Why not? Odds are he never puts on a Twins uniform. But he was generally solid in 2025. It's a MILB look see with no guarantees. If we get 20-30 decent middle innings from him this season it's a worthwhile flier. And if we never see him, this article just disappears the same way.

I'm really torn concerning the philosophy of taking BPA for rounds 1-3 and then look for best value/need. Reports are the heart of the draft is rounds 2-4, maybe round 5, for quality that offer depth and upside, but light for difference makers in round 1. The Vikings have needs across the board, but aren't exactly desperate anywhere in particular. BUT, there is need for young talent at almost every position. IF the DEPTH of middle round talent is true, I'd really love to see them move back a couple spots in round 1 and 2 to get another 3rd and a 4th and add draft capital. Safety is a need, even if Harry comes back. But quality safeties usually slide a bit most years. They just don't hold the same value as CB. And I kinda like 3-4 S options that might be available with a slide back in the 1st round to pick up a 3rd round pick for someone looking for need. I'd also be looking for someone in round 2 looking to trade up a few spots for a 4th coming back to the Vikings. I'm NOT looking to trade down just for the sake of doing so. I just think there is a "hot spot" from later in the 1st round through the 4th where the team can still grab one of the top 4 SAFETIES, a solid 0-1 DT with some upside, a quality RB, one of the top CENTERS, a SOLID WR, and a projectile CB who only has to be CB #4 for 2026. Instead of having 4 picks in the top 100, we end up with 5 picks in the top 100, and a 6th in the top 125-ish. The 5th, 6th, and 3 th 7th rounders should be BEST LB, EDGE, OT, OG, TE available for for depth and projection. We can only trade down twice in the 1st two rounds if someone is looking for need. But we have the luxury of a team that doesn't have a SINGULAR need at any ONE spot. So that luxury is an advantage unless there is someone that our FO has targeted in particular. And who knows? The Vikes might just SIT where they are in every round and just take BPA and that still might be a great draft. I guess it's just my dream they'd trade down twice, and get 2 more early picks that could make a difference.