DocBauer

Interesting, he only turned 21 a couple days ago. And he was a transfer from San Diego State who oy had 81 AB as a freshman there. I'd say he's an under the radar pick who's on the upswing. With pretty much 50 grades across the board, he's intriguing for sure. But I'm not so sure he shouldn't have gone back to school for his junior year.

From all I read and hear, the combine allowed a lot of guys to impress and greatly improve the perception of them, and thus their draft stock.

Agree about being over slot. Don't usually see a lot of 6th round prep selections any longer. He doesn't seem to have any single tool that stands out, but a good frame and pretty even scores across the board. I think they're intrigued by what they believe he'll be in a couple of years.

Reminds me very much of LH Carpenter from last year. Almost like drafting a prep pitcher when you consider 19yo and so little experience. A Tennessee recruit with good velocity and a lot of spin on his breaking stuff already? Yes please. Make sure you sign him now.

I would have taken Irish over Houston due to the fact he was one of the best college bats in the draft. If he couldn't stick at CATCHER for some reason, there's a pretty good OF in there I think. But I don't dislike Houston at all. He and Culpepper give the Twins a pair of SS to follow Correa. Culpepper can also play 2B/3B depending on how things shake out. Keaschall can play 2B/1B/OF. Lee can play 3 spots, though I'm not expecting him to be the Correa heir. DeBarge may be the next Castro, but even better speed. Schobel is also being groomed as a SU player. And without even considering Lewis...and even Amick potentially...locking in at 3B or 1B, what they've done is create a potentially excellent and versatile INF with OF options. Quick is very exciting. He's got everything you'd want in a top pitching prospect. If he hadn't missed 2024 from TJ, I wonder if he'd even be available at 16 this year? Ellwanger is very similar in build, velocity, potential velocity, and an already good 2nd offering. But he's also only a sophomore...recently turned 21yo...and barely threw in 2024. So he's very raw. But there's a ton of talent to work with in both these arms. I agree it would have been nice to grab another good HS arm to develop in the lower minors. But it sure sounds like it was a down year for prep arms. And a good year to invest in college arms. You've got to question a young bat that has contact issues. But when someone like Young is available, a good athlete with so much power and potential, you have to take the chance to see if that contact and recognition can develop. If it does, you've got someone really good and potentially dangerous. He's this year's version of a Winokur potential pick. They leaned in to position players more in 2024, so I can see this draft being a little more pitching heavy. I think they're off to a really good start. And I really do like the variety of talent so far.

Jason Reitz, only 20yo, 6' 11" and and 215. Sits around 93mph but has hit 97. Doesn't have full extension so there's room for his velocity to uptick a good couple of MPH. Solid cutter and slider, a change that rates a 45. Started the year in the Duck's pen and then became the Sunday starter and had a .250 ERA and a WHIP under 1. As might be expected of such pitcher, he's struggled with control at times. So young and that long frame, he could be a steal in the 4th round with more consistent mechanics and a FB that sits 95-97.

The standard practice following the draft is a couple of the college players might get a couple games/innings and that's it. The feeling seems to be; "get a quick look at them in person, give them the experience, and then shut them down for a rest after a full college season and get ready for instructs". So other than a couple innings at A ball, you probably won't see him until 2026. Probably at A+ CR and a promotion to AA, hopefully, around mid season.

Already sitting 95 and can hit higher. Probably hits 100 a couple times next year once the Twins developmental staff spends time with him. The Twins are also good with adding and eliminating pitchers. They tend to work well with sliders, so they may be able to do something with his. Obviously needs some kind of change or we're talking a future pen arm. And that's not a bad thing either. He hasn't really thrown a lot due to some injuries, so that may have held back the development of his other offerings as well as control. You have to wonder, with his frame, velocity, and a good breaking ball, his he a late 1st or comp type if he had more IP under his belt? Low floor but high ceiling potential that's an exciting arm to grab in the 3rd round.

Boy is this a fun pick! He's 6' 5" and 215lbs-220lbs at 18yo. He's got a 50 run grade at that size with 60 power and a 65 arm. He's got 3B or RF written all over him. It all comes down to whether or not he can hit. But I think that's almost always th3 #1 question for just about prep bat. Not saying he's the same player, but he's this year's "Winokur" pick. The super high ceiling prospect with at least 1 big question mark. But it's nice to be able to grab players like that once a draft...every other at least...because when you get it right you usually get a star type of player.

Love this pick! Really wanted a top college arm early to see what the Twins development group could do with a more "ready" talent. As an organization they add velocity and add pitches. Yes, he's got to work on command some more and get more K's, but it's his first year back from TJ. Won't see him until 2026 probably, but I can't wait.

Thanks for posting this. It's definitely interesting and worthy of reflection. I often dislike comps of this nature, even though I use them as well, lol. The reason I saw that is 1 year in to his pro career, Culpepper already looks better than his pre draft scores of last year. I mean, if Houston is faster, he must be REALLY fast. I give full credit to the Twins for knowing 1,000 times more than I possibly could. But I would have gone Irish here simply because if he couldn't stick at CATCHER, his bat should play and play well in the OF. (Even 1B as a former C). Considering Houston has a decent frame and added more power this season, I'd be inclined to believe he's going to have enough for double digit HR numbers and solid doubles power as well. One of the best defensive SS in the draft with a solid bat and good speed does make him a good selection, just not the way I would have gone. What I like most about Houston is he and Culpepper now give the team 2 legitimate ML SS options...no offense to DeAndrade...and the ability to move guys around where they are needed most. For instance, Lee plays 3 spots, though SS is probably his weakest. Culpepper could play 3 spots. Schobel could be the next Castro when he's healthy again. And DeBarge is looking a 2B or even better option than Schobel for thr SU role.

Certainly not what was generally thought or predicted so far. Of course, these things seldom do. The Angels passing on both Anderson and Holliday really surprises me. If they want college and rush them up...as they've been doing...I don't understand Bremner, even though I like him a lot and was hoping he might slide to #16. But not only was Anderson rated as the best college arm, there were a good 3 or 4 more before Bremner.

Over at MLB.COM Mayo and Callis presented their final mock draft. Mayo had Bremner going to the Twins and Callis had him going a couple picks earlier. I'm a big fan of Mayo! LOL Does Cervantes make sense at 36 as an overdraft but potential steal? I doubt he makes it to the Twin's 2nd round pick. Dzweira with our #2, third pick overall? Love a projectable LH. We're still short in that area. And being a college arm, he might be a quick riser, whether for the rotation or the pen. I'll go with you on Dickerson. Our 3rd rounder? If he's that underrated, someone might also like him and take a shot earlier. Doubt it happens, but would be sweet for Carmichael to reach us in the 4th round, our 5th selection. But I'm betting he's gone in the 3rd round.

Rodriguez hurt again? (Silent scream). Getting really hard to ignore Julien. But where does he fit with Keaschall probably back in 2-3 weeks? There's no need to rush Culpepper or Gonzalez to AAA. But if they keep this up, they should at least get a cup of coffee there to end the year, if not a couple of weeks. Ditto for Fedko, who I think should have already been promoted. Been a very disappointing season for Langenberg so far. But how your season finishes is more important than how it starts, yes? Great start by Hill. Can't call his rookie season as anything but a success. Seems as though Doktorczyk...a personal pick of mine as someone to watch...has been on a pretty solid role as of late.

How crazy good is Buxton healthy? And on his bobblehead day he goes 5 for 5 and hits for the cycle! And this just days before he goes back home to Georgia for the All Star Game and participates in the HR derby with his son ad his personal Bat Boy. Hard to make this stuff up. I was generally impressed by Adams today. He doesn't seem to throw anything that's particularly nasty, but he mixed his pitches well and was around the zone. Threw a couple that really painted a corner or backdoored a couple batters. Even managed to K 3 in 4 innings this time. He makes for a really nice 8th man if he can keep this up. Every time I think Clemens might just be done and easily replaced, he makes a solid play in thr field, and/or sends a bomb out of the part. Good win! Go Twins! Get the sweep on Sunday and get to .500.

A really good collection of talent there currently. And when the season started I was worried about them since they had so many injured arms. Surprised Olivar wasn't mentioned in the OP. What else does Fedko have to do to get ready for AAA? It's not ad if St Paul's OF is so deep they're blocking him.

SWR was solid, but mediocre when he came up in 2024. Rocco protected and he didn't hit a full 5 IP for a few games. He grew and adjusted game by game and was trusted more and more as he moved along. There was a point in July when I saw actually "strut" some on the mound. You could visually see him gaining confidence. I still blame his late season performances to simply wearing out as a rookie exceeding previous IP numbers. I knew there was a chance of regression to start 2025, but was still disappointed in his early results. His demotion to AAA was only 3 games of good, OK, and poor. But he was needed and brought back up surely earlier than the Twins wanted. And the first couple of starts sure didn't go well. Let me pause for a moment to re-state that this STILL ONLY 24yo kid had the strangest, most bizarre MILB career I have EVER SEEN! And if readers don't know, read up, or ask somebody. While a 3 game MILB re-set wasn't what the Twins wanted, and Sim's first couple of starts surely weren't what he wanted, he DID get some kind of internal wakeup call. Because he's been solid to very good since then, even while working on a new pitch. Pure stuff, I still think both Matthews and Festa are more talented and have higher ceilings. And that's not a dis to SWR and future potential. I've learned a long time ago that most SP don't achieve their best production until late 20's where stuff and knowledge and experience all coalesce together. 2026 already has 3 high quality arms locked in with good health. I'm not going to discount a fast riser in the system...and there's about 4 or 5 I can think of...but Matthews, Festa and SWR are going to fight for the last 2 spots barring some big trade. But Sim IS a quality back end rotation arm. He's still lacking the ability to K enough batters to take that next step. Maybe it still happens? But he's a really solid ML rotation arm.

I just have to comment on this. And yes, I remember the Brett Walker craze well. Despite being in favor of giving McCusker a legitimate opportunity, especially when the team was down an OF and struggling offensively, there remains a difference between he and Sabato. McCusker was signed as a flier, and not an especially young flier. But when you DO sign such a flier, and they "fly" through your system and produce, I still think you owe it to yourself as a system to find out if you actually found something. Maybe it's a DH, or a part time OF in this case, but you do yourself a disservice if you don't take an honest look. I'm NOT saying Severino is McCusker in any way! I'm only saying if he could continue to K at 30% at the ML level...not increase to 40%....and still hit .225-.230 with dangerous power, at least he's worth an honest look isn't he? The difference I see with Sabato is not just being a former #1 draft choice. The difference I see is a former top prospect who always had some sort of idea of the zone. Even when he was bad, he took some BB. And I'm not even pretending he's suddenly become a 1B/DH SAVIOR for the lineup this season, for 2026, or beyond. But he WAS a 1st round pick, initially, for a reason. And even though most all of wrote him off and were probably surprised the Twins even kept him for this year, the facts are he's been hitting .300 at both AA and AAA, with a composite .388 OB% and .936OPS. I'm really not directly my comments to you, just saying overall there is probably a difference between 2 ballplayers that have traveled very different paths to this point. One is a flier that maybe deserves a looksee in case you found something. The other is a former top pick and prospect who MIGHT have figured it out at age 25, recently turned 26. To be excited about Sabato and have unreal expectations is probably wrong. But to be intrigued about a former top pick developing late and who might be a solid player is worth at least taking a good look at, IMO. Severino was also a top prospect at one point. He couldn't put it altogether. Sabato was a top prospect who seemed to wash out but might have figured it out. Again, I find the prospect of him doing so being intriguing. I wouldn't mind him getting a shot depending on how the rest of the season goes. And maybe he's added to the 40 man this offseason. But I sure wouldn't do so expecting him to be part of the 26 man roster!

As far as Petty goes, I was really excited the Twins got him where they did, and when they did. There's nothing more divisive than a prep arm. Some become All Stars, or really solid middle of the rotation arms. Many, if not most, either flame out completely for one reason or another, or convert to relievers and hopefully have solid careers there. I'd bet the Reds are really pleased he's reached AAA at such a young age, and can't wait to see him continue to develop and get his next chance. Hmmm....24yo SWR ring any bells as a young kid just figuring it out? The Twins got Gray for 2 years of high quality production, and ended up with a top 10-15 prospect in DeBarge for the trade. No matter what Petty does, it was a solid return.

Severino WAS a top prospect. That's why the Braves got in trouble for violating international signing rules and lost him. The Twins jumped on him when he was available. Between the Braves and Twins, I believe it ended with something like $4.5-5M in total bonus money. When he lost a bunch of weight before 2024, I thought it was a good sign that hus defense would improve, and he might continue to play some 3B in addition to 1B, with 2B probably no longer viable. But the bat just seemed to disappear the last 2 years. At 25yo, there's still a chance he makes it, or goes oversees to make $, and maybe come back to the States later and get a shot as an improved player. But it does show just how hard it is to actually make MLB. I wish him the best, but as someone else mentioned, there are at least a couple prospects looking like they need and deserve a promotion fairly soon.

My short term answer is no to an overpay...but I'd always listen...and a general no to trading him. The truth is a lot of relievers have short life spans where they are really good. Some slip and rebound, but other than truly great ones, many have a 3-5yr shelf life. And that's just general, not an absolute. I would never trade BOTH Jax and Duran as it would be foolish to just break this team down completely. But as good as Jax has been, and still is, I'd move him...still with some control...and keep Duran. Duran doesn't hit 104 on occasion? So what? He's still to 101 pretty consistently and has hit 102 once in a while. What kind of weird fantasy world do we live in where notting sitting 99-101 is poor? He's got a great curve, a great splinker, and has added a 4th pitch this season. He's still producing at a level that has people questioning why he wasn't considered an All Star. (Different story, different arguement, different day). If Jax was moved, we probably get a solid return. It could be a young bat close to being ready, or another power arm close enough to figure them in to the 2026 plans for the pen. Varland and Stewart can cover the loss. Sands might never approach how good he was in 2024, but he's not exactly a poor arm with future potential. Between trade, FA, and arms in the system that might move to the pen...at least temporarily thinking old school get your feet wet there first...the pen might be OK without Jax. I absolutely understand everything could be reasons to keep Jax as the closer for 2026 and move Duran for a big haul. Again, you ALWAYS listen. But I'd move the 30yo Jax for a solid return instead of the 27yo Duran.

I've done this before, and will continue to do so as the CATCHING situation is of special interest and importance to me: The Twins have been blessed to play the same two catchers for 2 1/2 years now, which is crazy! But the few times CAMARGO has appeared, they've only let him catch something like a single inning. I have no idea why as I've never actually heard a single negative about him behind the plate. He has a great career SB% and offers power, even though his bat has slipped from 2023. But he's now had TJ surgery and is probably for at least most of 2026, if not all of it. The Twins seem to really like WINKEL behind the plate and he's been a non roster invite for each of the past 2 ST. He's a LH bat with limited ability and limited power. He's also been very poor at CS%, but is matching his career high of 19% this season. His bat had a bit of a breakthrough in 2023, and then tanked in 2024...seemingly like EVERY CATCHER in the system did as well. He is having a solid 2025 however, and might match or exceed his career HR mark of 10, with 7 in the bank already. CARDENAS, from all accounts I've ever ready is considered a quality backstop. And he has an excellent 29% CS for his career thus far. He's not a great hitter and has limited power to this point, but seems to have a good eye, controls the zone, and has maintained a solid OB%. He also is having a nice rebound season after a poor 2024, though his AAA numbers are a SSS and buoyed some by a sudden power surge. COSSETTI was drafted as an offense 1st backstop who needed work behind the plate. Again, like everyone else, he tanked in 2024. While his AVG is a little low, he's been producing well at AA after a poor start. I don't know how much he's improved behind the plate, but after some initially good CS numbers, he's down in the teens for this year and last. But to BAEZ in particular, he's a very good athlete who played around the field and seldom caught until 2022, the year he was drafted. He's more of an athletic, long term project still learning to catch. While he's caught 26% of base runners at AA so far, his career numbers to this point have him around 11%. So there's still real questions about his viability behind the plate. As a hitter, he's been a good AVG, high OB% hitter without great power, but some pop to be sure. At 24yo and a solid bat with good athleticism, he's got a chance if the CS% can rise and his defense/game calling have improved and continue to do so. He doesn't have enough power, barring an explosion, to be a 1B or DH. But again, he was drafted as more of a longer term, developmental receiver with potential. LONG TERM, 2024 draft choices Diaw and Ferrer are the best PROSPECTS in the system. Unfortunately, Diaw is out for the season due to injury.

I may have to re-think my opinion on Raya. To repeat, despite being added to the 40 man, I've always believed this season was to get him ready for 2026 and he was behind Matthews, Festa, and even Morris and Lewis when the season began, even with Morris and Lewis not on the 40 man. But with Raya suddenly turning everything up a notch, and Morris out on the IL, and Lewis struggling, if there's another injury before someone comes back, Raya may still get a shot this season. Fedko should be at AAA. He's not blocked by anyone, and his breakout season can't and shouldn't be ignored. I dare say Gonzalez and Culpepper should get a late season cup of coffee at St Paul as well. I was a fan of Ohl, despite limited velocity, and then he had a poor 2024. But now his velocity is up and he's having a great rebound season. He probably fits best as a middle and long man. He might be a better prospect than Adams. Very encouraged by what he's done so far, and he may be the perfect 8th man come 2026 at least. Who is this "Jhomnardo" that you mentioned in the opening? I swear I don't know the name and didn't spot him in the OP.

Regrettably, I've lost faith in Funderburk. He's got to be better than Wentz at this time. His numbers are skewed a bit from one really bad outing. And there really wasn't much else to choose from at this time. I'm actually intrigued by Wentz if he sticks around at AAA. He's not old, he's got decent velocity, and he wasn't actually doing terrible out of the Pirates pen when released. I'd say there's at least a small chance the Twins might turn him in to something.

I grew up mostly on the radio with Herb and John. Memories of west coast games and static still fill my head to this day. I enjoyed a few games here on there before the internet during visits to my grandma's house on TV. I became a fan of Bremmer, and I never hated Burt, even if he got a little "get off my lawn" later in his career. I think Cory Provos has been outstanding as the "new voice" on the radio, and now as the play by play voice for TV. And I think we're lucky to have him. But even when Bert was still the color man, I really enjoyed the 3 man booth when someone like Kaat joined in. I missed the "experimental" game on Tuesday without Cory, on vacation, and Pablo making it a 4 man color team. But I got to watch the game tonight, Wednesday, and really loved listening to Perk, Plouffe and Justin comment and banter. They provided just enough play by play...on TV it's not that hard to follow the game...but provided humor and context that really resonated with me. I'd really like to see more 3 and 4 man booths going forward. The Twins have a deep and eclectic group of former players to contribute. There's enough space in between plays on TV to allow breathing room for stories and reflection and opinion to add to the broadcast. What are your thoughts about this 3 color man experiment?