DocBauer

I think a combination of a few things happened over the course of a few seasons that had lead down this particular path: 1] Sano's decline after 2019 was rapid. 2] Kirilloff, a top Twin prospect and top 100 prospect, simply couldn't stay healthy. 3] First round draft choice Sabato turned out to be a bust. Now, that doesn't excuse the FO from not finding an alternate option at 1B. But I don't know that the FO has necessarily had the funds to pursue a FA 1B option. And i don't know that they haven't responded about as well as could be expected under the circumstances. 1B is the bottom of the defensive ladder. That doesn't mean there isn't a difference between a good 1B and a poor 1B, but it's simply not the same as most other positions. And yes, having a larger target there, with a greater reach, is a benefit. But just being large doesn't mean you can move your feet on dig throws out of the dirt, etc. If you asked me who would I "throw" over at 1B when I had a hole, either A) a 6' 4" OF who's only ever played on the grass (at least most of his life) or B) an INFIELDER who's played most of his life on the dirt, fielding balls, digging balls, taking and making throws, I'd probably pick option "B". I'm not saying someone like Larnach...for example purposes...simply has no ability to transition in to at least a competent 1B. But I believe what the FO has basically done is move guys, small in stature, over to 1B because they were available, and needed a place, could do the job, and they needed someone to do that job. Personally, I'd like my 1B 6' or taller just to have that little extra reach. But if he's got a good, contributing bat and isn't 6', but handles the defensive end of things well to really good, I'm not going to care so much about his height. I do think that when Keaschall arrives, there's the potential for a shake up. Maybe he plays 1B with his 6' height and good bat. MAYBE...as some have proposed...the best OVERALL INF is Lewis at 1B, followed by Keaschall, Correa, and Lee across the dirt. Maybe with Rodriguez close and Jenkins not too far behind, someone like Larnach DOES get moved to 1B and you just work with him the best you can to get the best results. But I don't believe the Twins in any way have deliberately looked for shorter 1B. It's just been a combination of hopefulls not working out, and options available for the right cost being available that could/did work out.

I'd say most of the list is laid out with acceptable logic and opinions. But it really does feel like he doesn't really know or follow the Twins very closely if not adding starter depth held them back. The Twins have a really solid 1st 3. Richardson could regress in season #2, but h3 could just as easily advance. And he was doing that very thing before running out if gas. Nobody expects Paddack to be a stud...except Paddack himself of course...but when he first came up he was a 2 pitch pitcher. He's since...with the Twins help...refined a pair of breaking balls. If he can maintain velocity and get his change back, he's at least a solid #4-5 until he probably breaks down again. But Festa, Matthews and Morris for depth, (Lewis soon), it's possible the Twins best #4-5 starters aren't even breaking camp. I don't get wrapped up in hype like the Twins having the best bullpen before the season starts. I guess if you're going to have rankings, then somebody has to be #1. But hype aside, why not the Twins at this point? Duran and Jax are a hell of a 1-2 punch to begin with. Add in a healthy Stewart and the development of Sands last season, you're off to a great start. Now add in the very solid Coulombe, and the pure stuff of Alcala and Varland as 6th inning arms with K potential, I can see the optimism, even if a preseason ranking and a $1.50 get you a cheap cup of coffee. But while I'm not certain where I'd rank the Twins, guess I would also have them 5-6 at the highest, but absolutely in the top 10.

France wasn't even close to the top of my list for a 1B addition. But as I've said before, being only 30yo, and offering up at least some hope of upside, I sure liked him better than Rizzo, Turner, or Canha, amongst others. I don't like him being handed the job as #1 1B instead of Miranda, who is younger, still paetmof the future of this club, and potentially a much better hitter, based on what we've seen of him when healthy. A good 2021, 2022, and good start to 2024 before being hurt and only 30yo offers upside hope you may get the 2021-22 version of France, or something close to it. But what does a good ST really mean? No much. But it's sure better than being hurt, hitting slow rollers or lazy pop ups. Miranda can get as many AB/PA as France as a DH and part time 3B/1B. But then again, France can also DH and let Miranda play 1B. Even if we get a fully rebounded France...which would be awesome...I just don't want Miranda ignored at 1B. No matter how hard he works on his defense, you still that bright light game experience as well.

IMO, Cruz...and players similar...are unique. To be that good of a hitter and able to play any kind of defense, they're going to be in the field somewhere. If they're older and can't really play in the field any longer, they generally aren't that kind of outstanding hitter. Generally speaking. Unless you have that type of special bat, DH only. I've always liked leaving the spot open. One of your best players can hit but has a sore ankle and it's hard to run? Put him at DH. You're lucky enough to have 3 corner OF who should play daily or a pair of good 1B, then one of them DH, even if it's not exclusively. I think a healthy Miranda is one of the Twins best hitters. If he's not playing 1B on an every day basis...and that appears to be the plan...then he's probably the guy who DH most often. But if Julien were to begin hitting like he did in 2023 again, it would be hard to keep him out of the lineup. I like having as many good players as I can and let the DH spot be another position, not a spot for a specialist.

This discussion is CRAZY. Lee is the 2B "winner" based on defense and bat potential. MAYBE he goes to 3B and Lewis to 1B down the road to complete the best INF you could possibly put together with Keaschall at 2B...possibly even Eeles at 2B. But Julien is a BAT first player. Just ONE YEAR AGO I thought Julien was a part of the future of the Twins. And his bad 2024 isn't the reason I question his future. All things right, this guy can HIT! But Keaschall can HIT. Rodriguez and Jenkins are coming up behind him to make OF and DH almost obsolete in regard to Julien. That DOESNT MEAN he doesn't have potential as a MLB player. He CAN be a part of the 2025 Twins. And who knows what tomorrow brings in regard to his future. His CURRENT competition isn't Lee, it's Martin and Gasper. There's NO WAY Miranda isn't part of this team.

I've always said, despite the results of the 2024 season, the Vikes were on a 2yr plan to "finalize" a plan for real contention. Internal improvements, a TREMENDOUS job in FA for 2024, and maybe an even better 2025 FA job has this team accelerated beyond my initial projections. And there's still enough $ left for a backup QB, and maybe one more solid addition. And other than that #2 QB...and maybe 1 more addition...we need to look at the pending draft for potential at least, if not to fill a couple holes. The good news is the Vikings don't seem to have a lot of NEEDS, if any. The bad news is they have only 4 picks to augment the 2025 version of the team, and build for the future. APPROACH #1: They just sit pat and take the BPA in round 1. That could be a DL, CB, or OL, despite FA signings, looking towards the future. Round 3 means looking at what they didn't draft, but also looking at future needs and drafting a RB that they NEED to pair with Jones. When then 5th round happens, they can just draft the BPA available, while thinking about a 2nd RB in an incredible class, or a SAFETY or CB who's slid, or maybe a solid IOL still sitting there. APPROACH #2: They trade down to late in the 1st round, OR, EARLY 2nd round and get an additional 3rd and probable/possible 3rd or 4th round pick. MAYBE another 5th rounder instead?? Is having 6 picks better? Kwesi hasn't had a good history in drafting, but he did better in 2024. He and his scouts have ALMOST done better in rookie FA signings. Do we trust in better drafting following 2024? If we do, we get 6 picks to grab the future RB we need, another DB, maybe two, another OL for depth and development, maybe a development DL, maybe another RB in a tremendous class, maybe a TE to replace Mundt. Has the FA activity we've seen really changed how the Vikings approach the draft? Should they just follow status quo at this point and just keep their 1st pick and let it ride? Or should they drop down for a couple extra picks for depth and development options?

So all the recent contracts aren't exactly as reported due to option years and the such. The Vikings still had $50M to spend before the Hargrave signing at 2yrs and $30M. Now, is that a REAL $15M? Or are there some details in the deal that make it a little less? It's also been reported that they have signed CB/ST Tavierre Thomas, who is an interesting depth piece, with no numbers revealed yet. Can't believe he's more than a couple $M. But Harry has announced he's back for $10.5M with incentives that could make the deal worth up to $14M. I'm no math wizard, but $50M minus $15M and another $10M, plus another couple $M means the $ pool could have dropped to around $20-23M now. But again, the way these contracts are written, it's very possible they still have closer to $25-30M to spend. Remember, you still have to have enough $ to sign your draft class. And it's always smart to have a little left over for the 2nd phase of FA, and last minute surprises like the Vikings had before 2024 even began at the CB position. But really, other than a #2 QB, they might not need any other MAJOR additions to the roster at this point. And really, the top 100 FA are pretty much done at this point. And the FO has already made major noise in their additions. Other than bringing back Gimore or Griffen or signing someone similar at CB, I'm not sure what else they can realistically do at this point considering how aggressive they've been so far.

I think they will look at a veteran WR in FA still. I'm a believer that Kupp on a short term deal makes the most sense. He knows the system, and can be a very good #3 option, with the ability to be a little more than that if Addison is suspended for X number of games. The way the NFL works, I don't think Addison is going anywhere unless he screws up again. If he stays clean and smart going forward, he's probably got an extension after 2025. The Vikes might have a different target in mind, but Kupp just seems like the logical addition to be made.

I'm going to disagree with only the Kupp opinion. The Vikings might not even want him. They might like someone better. But Kupp is a very logical fit for this offense as a veteran #3 wideout on a short term deal. Nailor did some very good things for the offense last season, but he wasn't consistent. But he might still have some upside. If Addison feels threatened by an over 30yo #3 veteran addition, then there is a bigger problem on hand. I believe Addison is going to get an extension sometime soon. But that extension doesn't even have to be discussed until after 2025. Kupp is just a short term addition, if the numbers work, to provide that veteran guy who runs routes, makes plays, and keeps drives going as the #3 guy. It seems smart to me, but they may have different ideas in mind.

I've been a bug Wallner fan and believe for some time. When following him MILB he'd advance, struggle a bit, then show improvement in virtually every category. Year to year, always improved. He's done that at the ML level as well, though he's only accumulated a little over 1 full season from being "held back" in 2023, and his early season demotion in 2024. Now, keep in mind his 2022 debut was a whopping 18 games and 65 PA: .228/ .323/ .385/ .707 .249/ .370/ .507/ .877 .259/ .372/ .523/ .894 Now, I'm not going to suggest he's going to improve on his 2024 quad slash line. I mean, those are All Star numbers as is. But that's not to say he can't maintain something close to an average of his 2023-2024 quad slash lines. His BABIP may be high, but then again, when he squares up, he hits the ball HARD, unlike his predecessor Kepler who always maintained a frustratingly low BABIP for his career. I'm in total agreement that he's going to be hot and cold and be really frustrating at times, and carry the team for other stretches. But his OB% is not exclusive to HBP numbers. He actually does BB quite a bit. Part of his K issue is taking pitches and eyeing the zone pretty well, somewhat similar to Sano, but other sluggers as well. I'm not 100% convinced about him batting leadoff, but I do see the method in the madness of him there. But the K% will be a key. He's probably All Star capable at 30% ish. (Hopefully a little lower in time). But 40% lowers his ability to produce for sure. Defensively, I think he's going to be OK. He's a good athlete with much better speed than you'd expect from such a large human being. The 2 keys for him are good reads off the bat so he can get going "properly", and also adjusting to Target Field's angles and the overhang in RF, since half the games will obviously be at home. Now, he's certainly played quite a few games in RF there, but he's also been asked to play a lot of LF previously. Kepler played there 8 years and knew the park like he helped design it. So there still might be a learning curve for Wallner. But he has one of the best arms I've ever seen. And that will help mitigate some of that learning curve. The RF depth, like most of the OF, looks good. Larnach will be able to spell him once in a while. And not too long from now, Rodriguez and Jenkins will be part of the equation. Bader and Keirsey also offer solid, if somewhat temporary options there as well. He's produced 4.2 WAR in his still somewhat brief career. Including 2.2 in 2024. Despite probably being "streaky"...and experience will hopefully even out his overall contributions...I think I'd be disappointed if he wasn't a 3 WAR player in 2025.

I'm late to this thread, so I apologize if I missed some good points or repeat others. A few overpays here and there, but not sure I can complain about the market prices when they are what they are. WHAT THEY KEPT: I'm fine with Jones being back as a teammate and producer who is an excellent player. I did think it was a slight overpay. But he's PERFECT in this system with a good rookie RB coming in the draft to pair with. I'd even consider drafting TWO as deep as this class is. (5th round 2nd addition). Murphy might not be worth that much $, but the market is set. He's good, and knows the system, and isn't exactly old. I liked the re-signing of Theo Jackson. From what I've seen of him in preseason and limited regular season, I think he's got real potential and they've been grooming him. Just really stinks losing Bynum. WHAT THEYVE ADDED: WOW! This might be more and better than I expected! Is Kelly a G, or is he a replacement at C for Bradburry is my question. Cutting Bradburry doesn't save much $ vs his dead cap hit. Maybe they keep him for one more year and draft another C to go along with Jurgens, who I've heard they are high on? Personally, I've always thought Brandel had a chance to be a solid C, even as a backup. Fries absolutely raises the G play for 2025 and beyond! G is no longer a draft priority. Maybe a late pick development guy?? I had high hopes for ONE good DL. They got TWO in Allen and Hargrave! The projected backup 3, as of now, are young and offer potential. You NEVER turn down a good DL, but this is no longer a draft priority. I'm intrigued by Iaiah Rogers at CB. He's got some skills and experience and is young. A depth piece or possible surprise? Bubba Bolden is a freak of an athlete who hasn't played up to his abilities as of yet. He could be a very interesting depth piece to develop as the 4-5th S if Smith really is coming back. WHAT'S STILL NEEDED: I don't want to just trust that Blackmon is back 100%. And I don't want the team to NEED to draft a CB early. I'm not certain at this point how much $ is available...and they won't spend it ALL, holding some back for last minute adds...but I'd really like to see a CB added still. It's possible that even means one of Gilmore or Griffen brought back. You could do worse. If all the rumors are true that Cooper Kupp is going to be released, wouldn't he be a great veteran fit for the #3 WR spot? Would $7M ish make it happen? He'd be an outstanding ad the #3, pushing Nailor down a spot, and providing insurance if Addison receives a suspension. But they also need a QB. Does Lance finally "come home" and get a chance to learn and develop in this system? He and Mac Jones are perfect "develop under KOC" options that might not cost a lot and offer upside for the Vikings, and their careers, similar to Darnold. Flacco, Wentz, and Brissett might just be looking to continue their careers with a chance of something more come 2026. I'm not interested in Rogers or Winston at all. ONE more solid CB, a #2 QB for depth and insurance, and Kupp would make FA OUTSTANDING! But that's another potential $20-25M. Even with a few re-worked or extended deals here and there, do they have enough room to make it happen? If they COULD somehow make that work, the draft suddenly becomes BPA available, with the only absolute being a young RB in a deep class. I could easily moving to later in the 1st round, or out completely, if it gets a couple more high picks to add additional young talent. There's still room to add, despite a tremendous haul so far. I just wonder what they have left to play with $ wise at this point.

Note, never in the OP did anyone ever state Gasper is a quality defensive player. It was stated he works hard, and knows where to throw the ball and generally knows how to play the game intelligently. That's a long way from being a GOOD defensive player. That's not a knock on him. Being a hard worker is a good thing. Being a smart baseball player is a good thing. Being a "throwback" player is a nice compliment that he's just a smart player and a grinder. He probably would have been a fine bench player in the 70's, 80's and even the 90's. Heck, he might have been a shorter, Gene Larkin type. But he's not a true catcher, he can catch. He's not a true 2B, but they are seeing if he CAN play the position decently enough to help there. He doesn't have speed, and there isn't much power. What he does have is a switch hitting bat that could be useful as a good OB% guy who doesn't K much and makes good contact. And there could be room for a guy like that. I don't think Martin makes the opening day roster. I think he needs to prove his defense, as well as his bat, and needs to play daily, not sit on the bench. The Twins are a little short of LH bats, so I believe the final spot comes down to Julien and Gasper. Do the Twins think Julien looks like the hitter he has been in MILB and in 2023? If so, he can DH and play some in the field. But with Miranda and France on hand for 1B and DH, and Castro as the Super Utility player, are there enough AB to go around? Maybe they'd rather have Julien also playing daily, and are content to have Gasper as a 2-3 games a week option as a 29yo? I think that's what it comes down to for opening day: the potential offensive contributions of Julien if there's room to play 4-5 days a week, or keeping an older player they are content to use 2-3 days a week?

He was one of the most disappointing Twins, for me, in 2024, after having such a great 2023 and looking like a real, viable option after his ML debut. What I hadn't realized was that his early results last season were pretty good. Sorry, I don't remember the OP, but recently someone on TD revealed the results of his first 4-5 appearances to begin the season and they were really solid. Whether he was pitching through injury or not, the wheels started to come off shortly thereafter. The first time I watched him this ST...against the Pirates maybe?...he set the opposition down on 7 pitches, then had a solid 2nd inning. And it was early in the game. The appearance where I next saw him was the aforementioned game where he was much more wild and had 3 BB over 2 IP. He simply wasn't as sharp. And yes, it was later in the game. I think the stuff is still there to be a quality LH in the pen. He was almost exclusively a position player in college, but drafted by the Twins as a pitcher. So there's been more of a conversion, development aspect to him than most college arms brought in. The injury in 2024 did him no favors. But if he can harness his control, he's got real K potential and the ability to get RH batters out as well. But I don't think he makes the opening day roster. Not unless Castellano is traded for in order to be sent down. Funderburk will be sent down to wait for his opportunity. Plenty of opportunity for him to help the club in 2025, but I don't believe he'll be there opening day. SIDE NOTE: While it haven't seen any announcement, it appears to me Jaylin Nowlin has been moved to the pen for the upcoming season. He also has some control issues, but a funky, "slinging" delivery that offers deception and some pretty good stuff. And he's a couple 2-3 years younger. So by the 2nd half of the season, he could be hot on the heels of Funderburk as a LH pen option.

It was an absolute pleasure to watch a "healthy" Buxton last season. (Unfortunately, he has a different scale for being healthy). At times, you almost forget how good he really is. In baseball, EVERYTHING is measured. But some of those measurements say different things. When I watched his defense last year, I saw a Buxton that might have been half a step lower than when younger, still tremendous speed. I saw a handful of plays that the younger, more reckless version of himself might have dove for, or crashed in to a wall, but didn't. I'm OK with a little more self preservation from him. My eye test said he was still a very good CF. Correct me if I'm wrong, but when he missed some time later in the season, wasn't it flare up of his hip, that has bothered him at times? His knee isn't perfect, and never will be again. But with a healthy finish to the year, and a healthy offseason, might other parts of his body just be stronger and healthier now? Do we dare dream of 120 total games?? Rodriguez and Jenkins have the overall speed and athleticism to handle CF in the future from all reports. Yasser Mercedes should have been listed amongst the prospects as well. He had a really solid, healthy 2024 and is a potential 4 tool player from all accounts I've read, power being average so far. But he's a good 3 years away. Also probably 2-3 years away is Winokur. With his speed and long frame, he could add a little muscle without losing speed. While still raw, he held his own in 2024 for such a young kid, and showed continued improvement. I wouldn't be shocked to see him in CF at some point, while being flanked by Rodriguez and Jenkins.

The time to trade was a couple months ago...just trusting in the kids...or the deadline this year if we're a player away and our own arms are still healthy...or next offseason. Considering how this FO likes to do things, and where their greatest successes have been, I'd say next offseason. But I will echo the sentiment that if someone is available, it would be Paddack. Not to clear $ which really doesn't matter any longer, but because he's on a 1yr deal.

IF Duran's velocity is down for good, throwing 99-101 consistently is still amazing. And I agree that working on the shape of his pitches and sequencing can make a huge difference. I'm not expert, but maybe taking a mile or two off his other pitches works better with the slight drop in velocity off his FB? Isn't he also working on a 2 seamer this spring? I can't even describe how pleased and surprised I was by the development of Sands last season. He's an important part of the pen to be sure, but I would rank him below Stewart. As discussed in another recent OP, even 40 IP from Stewart would be fantastic. He's been outstanding when healthy. I think those 40 innings, used judiciously, would be fine. (We can cross fingers for up to 50 innings). Coulombe might indeed be ramping up a little. And as stated, he hasn't even unleashed some of his secondary pitches yet. He was solid with the Twins and even better with the Orioles. He's not in the top 4, but he doesn't have to be. While he's not a LOOGY, he is "sort of" a specialist for this pen. I feel good about him unless he shows us a reason not to feel good. I've been a fan of Alcala for some time now. I really thought the Twins had something after his 2021 season. But then the injuries happened. But for the first half of 2024 plus, he was performing really well, even though I didn't like how he was being used. But after a full season in a couple years, I'd like to think he's ready for an even better, more consistent 2025. But he's still behind Jax, Duran, Stewart, and Sands at this point. I might have him tied with Coulombe at 5/6. Because he's still transitioning to full time pen work, I've got to put Varland in the 7th spot. As a SP, his success and numbers were very good the first time through the order. I think his stuff plays up better in the pen, and I think he's a 2 IP option. Potentially, he's in the top 4-5 before the season is done. Really disappointed in struggles and now injuries for Topa and Tonkin. I'm hoping the injuries are minor, of course. I really felt at least one of them would make the club and give the pen a rubber armed 2 IP guy who might even go consecutive days at times as bridge guys. But it's a long season, and each may still provide help. I'm still torn on Castellano. I really don't want to carry a guy in the pen just because of potential. Sooner or later, you need EVERYONE to throw. And even the 8th guy is needed in a higher leverage spot once in a while. But having watched him twice now, the pure STUFF is real. You can see the potential. The first time I saw him he was hitting the zone OK. The second time, not so much. If the cost isn't too steep, I'd still rather work out a trade so he can be sent down. But even jumping from AA ball to the ML level, if he can just throw strikes at an acceptable rate, I can see him doing reasonably well with how good his stuff actually is. Topa and Tonkin provide some depth if/when healthy. Tonkin is tricky as he doesn't have options. Funderburk can be nasty if he throws strikes. I think Blewett is a ML reliever, though more of a 7-8th man. ANY semblance of control could see Speas and Jensen helping out at some point. And I think Adams might end up in the pen as well, sooner rather than later, trying to follow the path Sands laid out. Who knows what Nowlin might look like come the 2nd half of the season, and there's a couple other arms floating around AAA that offer some experienced help here and there if needed. You always need guys to step up at some point, even if it's a couple games and send back down or DFA and re-signed again. Dobnak anyone? But if the pen doesn't suffer a radh of injuries, this could be a really good unit.

Really interested in seeing what DeBarge does with a fresh start to a new season. I was a little surprised when he was picked, but he's got some good tools to work with, though I'm not sure about power. I don't think he's got the 20HR power he showed in college last year. Winokur is one of my favorite prospects. He's very raw, but he really held his own for someone so young, and showed continued improvement as the season went along. It's going to be a few seasons still, but I could see a scenario where he's the CF with Winokur and Rodriguez flanking him.

Let me rephrase: Gasper is playing a fair amount of 2B, and Julien at 1B, in order to test them, and examine them at those spots. I don't see Gasper being any sort of answer at 2B, but if he makes the club...or is brought up at any point...by trying him at 2B during ST, they at least get an opportunity to discover whether or not he's could play a game or two there, or be an option late in games or extra innings if they move guys around. ST is a time to experiment a little. No, I'm not saying Julien is Arraez. My long winded way of saying that Arraez has never been a wiz with the glove anywhere, but because he could hit so well, they found a spot for him, and I think he got a bit of a pass from fans regarding his defense because he hit so well. Had Julien not tanked in 2024, and been the hitter he was in 2023, he also would have received a similar pass on his defensive short comings.

Really impressed last season by Larnach, especially the steong finish to his season. I think his defense is underrated. He's not that fleet of foot, of course, but he seems to get solid jumps and tracks the ball well. And his arm is not to Wallner's level, but it's pretty good. And I can see him playing a little RF here and there when Wallner gets a day off. No slight intended to Bader, but I really hope we only see him in LF against LHP, and maybe as a late inning defensive replacement at times. Larnach's bat is too important to not be in the lineup. I do wonder about DH though. While he certainly hasn't made the club yet, Julien has looked better. And the team is a little short on LH hitters. If Julien does make the club, I could see him as the closest to being the full time DH. And that's fine with Larnach being the primary LF.

Generally speaking i love what the FO has done. They have actually built a pitching pipeline that looks pretty impressive right now. But they haven't ignored position players. And beyond the top 3 prospects that we all know, there's some very intriguing options coming up. But the ONE AREA that frustrates the hell out of me is ignoring what might be on hand! The FO discovered a late bloomer like Stewart. Before his elbow blew out, they found a potential BP steal in Duarte. They found a steal in Castro. But they REFUSE to accept that a 4th round pick that THEY MADE who is a late bloomer isn't worthy despite showing real ability the last couple of seasons. I really hope Bader is worth his $6.5M deal. I really do. And the additional $10-15M that ownership have to the the FO is nice. But maybe it would have been better earlier. But it doesn't excuse Falvey or Rocco for being late in giving Keirsey a good, honest look. I really like so much of what the current FO has done. But I really wish they would STOP with the floor mantra that they have and be more like the Brewers and look at the upside. Take a chance. When a Margot stinks, look at a prospect YOU picked and developed. With Rodriguez and Winoker on the way, a career with the Twins might be brief. Maybe. But who knows what tomorrow brings. I just hate ignoring what's on hand that might be good, even on a short time period.

With all due respect Chief, roster flexibility isn't exactly new, it's just different today as the game has changed/advanced. If we want to look WAY BACK in Twins history, we see Versalles playing all around the dirt and grass. Killebrew played the same, but was never great defensively anywhere. (No disrespect). Rod Carew moved to 1B. Concerning the 2 Twins WS teams, Smalley was a SS,3b,DH. Randy Bush was a DH/1B/OF. Larkin was the same. All Newman played WHEREVER they placed him. Leius played 3B and SS. The IDEA of having "position less" players is NOT new. It's just a new way to name the way a roster is built. Now we can debate about putting players in the right spot for their best position as a STARTER. That means CATCHER and Buxton in CF, Correa at SS, etc. But with a limited roster of 26, used to be 25, was 24 for a few years, you have ALWAYS been limited to how many position players you could keep. SOMEONE always has had the ability to play multiple positions. That's never changed. BUT, the ability to build a roster where more than 1 or 2 or more players could play multiple positions HAS changed.

You have to remember, this is SPRING TRAINING. When they put Gasper at 2B and Julien at 1B, it's because they are trying to see how each responds at those positions in games that DON'T MATTER. That's all they are doing. IF Gasper makes the roster, or comes up at some point, CAN he ACTUALLY PLAY 2B at a reasonable level late in a game, or extra innings, when the lineup is re-set. Julien is NOT an OF, a 3B or a SS. He's a 2B and DH BAT FIRST player who might have the ability to play some 1B to increase roster flexibility. Sure, he's played a LITTLE 1B here and there, but now it's time to get serious. Between workouts and game experience, can he play some 1B? I'm NOT saying this to be sparky, but a lot of fans haven't been able to watch games the past couple of years. I'm fortunate enough to be out of the blackout zone so I've been able to watch every game. In 2023, Julien went from a poor 2B to an average defensive 2B as the year went along. Unfortunately, when his bat tanked in 2024, so did his defense. (Head games). What both frustrates and amuses me is when Luis Arraez debuted in 2019, he played 2B, LF...a spot he'd never played as a professional and was told to touch the wall and then take a certain number of steps in...as well as 17 games at 3B, and even 8 game appearances at SS! But he HIT so nobody cared. He played 2B in the short season of 2020. And he continued to HIT. In 2021 he continued to play 2B, and 3B, and LF. But he continued to HIT. In 2022 he continued to play some 2B, but was moved to 1B. And he again continued to HIT. Arraez has ALWAYS been a HITTER first and foremost. And when he was doing do, nobody really cared a lot about his barely adequate defense. So Julien has HIT EVERWHERE from college to his MILB pro career. In 2023 many were complaining how he could possibly be sent down, before being brought back up and becoming part of a team wide SURGE for the 2nd half of 2023. And THEN....Julien had an awful 2024, despite a solid first month. And suddenly, he's a bum, he can't play defense, he should be in AAA to prove himself and earn his way back up. I'm absolutely NOT picking on you @tony&rodney. I'm just using this opportunity to lay out some very confusing and bizarre opinions that I can't wrap my head around. Arraez was/is a tremendous HITTER with questionable defense wherever you play him. (And I'm a FAN of Arraez). But Julien is maybe even better, overall, as an offensive player, with similar questionable defense, who was a STUD in 2023. But after a bad 2024, he's suddenly a dismissed player who is dismissed be so many because he had a bad 2024 and isn't great at any one spot. This just makes ZERO sense to me.

It sounds very personal, Ash. Maybe you should keep banging on him. 😁

I haven't forgotten him at all. I've also been patiently hoping for a healthy return. One inning at a time, and no back to back days. He doesn't MAKE the bullpen, but he sure adds to it. Honestly, I'd pray for 50IP, but would settle for 40. PURE STUFF, I don't know that the Twins have ever had a pen this deep with guys who can really bring it; Duran, Jax, Stewart, Alcala, and Sands. And it's looking more and more like Varland is going to grab a spot as well. That's 6 guys who all comfortably sit at 95mph and all touch 97+. I know some aren't big fans of Varland. He didn't have a very good 2024. And he's been inconsistent as a starter. But even as a starter, he was often very good for a couple of innings, even on his not so good days. And we saw some real flash from him late in 2023. Somewhat similar to Sands last year, he now gets to concentrate on being a reliever. And he doesn't begin with the pressure of being an 8th or 9th inning guy. Alcala has shown what he can do when turned loose for 1 IP at a time. But he was over used early in 2024 with the excuse of "someone has to throw innings". And I've read various comments that he wasn't over used as his 58 IP over 50 appearances seems right line with a normal reliver. But that's not accurate. He was throwing 30-40 pitches early in 2024 over 2 and 2+ innings at times. Later in the season, he was throwing 1 inning, or less than that. Therefore, his TOTAL IP for the season seem in line, but for a guy who had barely seen the field the previous 2 seasons, the actual story is mis-use that helped lead to an arm that got tired at the end. Stewart may or may not be in excellent health with the cleanup he got at the end of 2024. Of course, he's stated his arm feels terrific! Let's hope that's the case, because even 40 innings spaced over an entire season in tight or crucial games DOES make a difference. The Twins AREN'T going to use 8 RP in 2025. They're going to use at least 12 barring amazing luck. That doesn't mean Stewart can't be a difference maker with as few as 40 IP.

We all make mistakes, but the journalism/English/writer major in me just has to do a brief reprimand as to Headrick being listed as a depth piece when he's been gone for a couple weeks already. I despise being "that guy", but that's a major fopaux. The OF 4 is set with Larnach, Buxton, Wallner, and Bader. Catcher is set, but Camargo is still #3, deservedly so at this point, despite some hopeful love of Cartaya being able to hit again. Lewis, Correa, Miranda, France, and Castro...who's also part of the OF equation...are all set. That's 2 spots open. Lee is the best option at 2B, and he's looked good so far. A hard hit fly ball single that might have been a double in a lot of parks, and a HR against the Yankees a couple days ago would seem to indicate he's getting locked in. Still a few weeks to go, but he's the best 2B option, and the one the Twins want and need to take control of the position. That leaves 1 spot TBD. IF Lee does lock up 2B, the choices left are Julien, Martin, and Gasper. Ideally, Julien's bat is BACK, and he wins the final spot. The Twins are short of LH bats at the moment, and Julien fixes that issue as a 2B/1B/DH with strong offensive production. Gasper is a weird roster addition as he's a "maybe" 2B, the THIRD 1B, and only an emergency catcher. But he's also a unique hitter who switch hits, makes contact, and seems to have a good eye leading to a solid OB%. Martin still has to prove he can hit ML pitching and play adequate defense anywhere, and provide real value other than base running. Look, I'm a fan of Keirsey as well. I like his defense, speed, and pop, but I just don't see him being the 13th man and 5th OF to start the season. The rotation is set. Paddack maintaining 93-95 mph velocity is key. If he gets his change back, he's better than most #4 starters in MLB. Festa and Matthews are the top depth options, and both will be part of the 2025 season and beyond. It would be nice to have Topa and Tonkin as middle relief options. Their opening day status is now in doubt. That opens up a spot for Varland, who is better than both. It also opens up a roster spot to keep rule 5 Castellano as the possible 8th man unless a trade with the Phillies can happen to give the Twins options. His pure stuff is very good. Despite never throwing above AA, MAYBE he can be a viable #8 man in the pen in limited innings. I predict Julien gets his bat figured out and Gasper and Martin go to AAA. But Gasper might surprise. But Martin and Keirsey go to St Paul to begin the season.