DocBauer

The biggest bummer of the road trip so far was the 2nd Seattle game. They came back, and had the M's on the ropes in extra innings and ket the game slip away. That was worse than the Alcala 2 run HR as the Twins still had time to rally down by 1 run and did. If Alcala could turn the "consistency" nob up even 1 more notch he could be really useful as the 7th or 8th man. And as Nick pointed out, he had been quite good in his previous 5-6 appearances. His ERA is skewed by a few bad performances as he hasn't been that bad all season. If the Twins tried to DFA him, he'd be snapped up in a second by someone. And im just not sure who you'd call up to replace him right now with Tonkin out, (not everyone likes him i get that). Blewett is gone, and I don't know if anyone else is ready to take over that last spot that offers more upside. I think I'd stick with him a little longer before making a decision. Having the ability to make good contact and spray the ball around the way Lee does is a good basis for future production. I agree with @tony&rodneythat he seems to hit off his front foot at times. He looks too hunched over the plate to me instead of being cocked and locked and ready to strike the ball hard. But again i say he should play daily as much as possible thr entire season. He's still growing as a hitter, definitely has upside, and has a good glove and solid instincts as a ballplayer. But he should be hitting at the bottom of the order right now, despite Rocco's faith in him. I honestly didn't realize until today that Lewis is the only Twin to ever have a PAIR of 0-30+ hitless streaks in his career. He may not be the superman he appeared to be previously, but I have little doubt there's a solid bat still in there. If he's not actually hurt, I'd play him against the A's to see if some baseball fairy dust settles on him. And I'd probably bring him home for the homestand for some home cooking before I made a final decision. But if he doesn't appease whatever minor deity he's offended to get him off to this horrific start by then, he's got to have a re-set of some sort. The problem is who comes up to replace him? Miranda and Julien have continued to mostly flounder. What we've seen of Gasper so far has been very unimpressive. And Keaschall is out for another month or so. I don't see someone like Schobel being added and jumping from AA, despite having an impressive season. Honestly...not because he continues to be an interesting story...but I'd bring McCusker back up and let him DH and play a little OF and see if he can walk in to a few doubles and a few bombs hitting near the bottom of the lineup. I ask yet again, what do you have to lose? Lee can be the primary 3B, with Bride and Castro also seeing time there, and Clemens can cover 2B most days until/unless the magic suddenly disappears completely from his bat. Lee and Castro obviously can factor in at 2B as well. It's frustrating, disappointing, even a bit scary that Vazquez is pretty much out hitting Royce at this time. Give him the A's series, bring him home, then make a decision. If he still looks lost, 7 days or rest and a re-set at AAA to regain confidence would seem the best course of action.

I'm OK with the extension as I think he's done well reshaping the roster in general and has done a good job mitigating what was a bad salary situation. He's done a tremendous job in FA and better than most teams in UDFA. His first 2 drafts were pretty bad. And a GM has to work with his head of scouting and coaches to keep the lifeblood of the franchise flowing through the draft. I also agree that the 2023 draft was pretty good when the move for Hockensen is factored in. 2024 will be defining for him. They potentially selected a franchise QB. Turner flashed as a 21yo rookie when he was on the field. But he also had a pair of veterans making contributions ahead of him. Year 2 is his time to shine. They also drafted a great kicker and a pair of OL, and a DL, that have potential, even if they only turn out to be good backups. With a limited 2025 draft, and so early, it's impossible to say if they did well with their limited options. But Jackson being a mainstay for years at LG could almost make the draft himself. As to the rest of the draft, it's a HUGE TBD. There's no way to possibly predict how good Felton might be at WR. Georgia doesn't produce poor athletes. Can Flores and his staff mold Ingram-Dawkins? King is a tough kid and tackling machine, but how well can he actually "move"? I actually kinda like Bartholomew as a depth TE with some potential. But again, a limited draft that is TBD. I do like the way Kwesi has manipulated the 2026 draft to give the Vikes 9 projected picks, including 4 in the first 3 rounds. He's still got some things to prove in regard to drafting. But he's also done enough so far overall that even with 2024 and 2025 TBD, it's hard not to give him an extension.

I guess im the opposite in belief for these guys. I actually think Julien has the better chance to figure it out. Julien DID have power until recently and his game has been about a good approach of looking for a pitch, controlling the zone, and taking a good number of BB along with some K's. I see him as a lighter power Wallner in approach. But from May 1st of 2024 he's just been a MESS in a bizarre mix of being too aggressive at times, and too passive at other times. Miranda has an ingrained belief that making contact with anything he can reach is a good thing. But that leads over and over to swings and misses or weak contact. A few times in his career...including his breakout MILB season...he has been able to reign in that instinct and he's looked excellent. I just don't know that he can overcome that "make contact with anything/everything" instinct he has. Of course I root for both guys to figure it out. But with Lee growing as a MlB player, with Keaschall as top prospect, with guys like Schobel, Culpepper, and DeBarge flashing and just getting better and better, I'm just not sure if either has a future with the Twins at this point.

IDK know what to think about Raya. The STUFF appears to be there, but command and control seems to come and go too often. He had a really nice last start and did recover from a bad 1st inning to flash. He's been held back, while also pushed. He may have the stuff to be an excellent reliever, but I'd keep him in the rotation for now and wait for something to click. So nice to see Eeles back and doing well. Can't wait until he's back at St Paul. I really like his game and think he's more than just a good story. Being younger than McCusker, I'd like to think the FO looks at him more as a legitimate prospect. Has Fedko simply unlocked his potential at a later date? He's hitting, getting OB, and is on pace for a 20/20 season right now. That's hard to ignore for a not yet 26yo. He's not a TOP prospect by any means, but it's hard to ignore what he's doing. Also hard to ignore what Gonzalez is doing after a very disappointing 2024. The bat has potential be solid with power and he's got a good arm. If he can be average defensively with the potential of his bat/power he could be a RH DH part time OF.

I don't know because I don't know what the coaches are seeing on the cages, or what they're looking for in his AB. But a couple days ago I believe he went 0-4 but every out was over 95mph exit velocity and I believe two of them were over 100. Zero results, but if he keeps hitting the ball that hard good results should come. Hopefully soon. Now, if he's not feeling well physically, I could see a 7 day rest with Buxton and Wallner back.

Best thibg in the entire report is CJ Culpepper back on the mound and throwing again! I don't know if he's going to start at the ML level, or if he's got stud potential as a reliever who may be able to get both sides out. (6 pitches). But he needs to get healthy and back to AA ASAP and still get in over half a season. He should be targeted for AAA in 2026...if not sooner...if healthy and ready to go again. I never really understood the Fedko selection as it didn't seem like he had any singular skill to hang his cap on, other than maybe OB%. And until this season, that's pretty much been the case. Having to repeat a level and then climbing the ladder at that level isn't a disappointment. But that's more common for 19-20-21yo's. How do the Twins feel about a late blooming 25yo at AA having his best season so far? On his current pace, he'd double or triple just about every significant career mark as a pro. As a fan i have no problem with a late bloomer who can do a bit of everything and cover all 3 OF spots as a bench contributor. But it's almost like a different player when you compare 2025 to all other seasons. Good for him! But im betting he doesn't hit AAA until the 2nd half.

Pleased and surprised by Bowen this season. It seems no-one can square up on him to do damage. The low hit numbers are great. But he's got to get the BB down around 2.5. And while a weak contact pitcher can be very viable...and a potential innings eater as well...I think he really needs to consistently K around 8-8.5 per 9 to be truly good. BTW, his current WHIP is the best of his career and his BB % is the 2nd best of his career, only slightly behind last season. So he's definitely trending UP despite his K numbers lowering. Only 24yo offers optimism. I was rather OUT on Schobel after last year. He was just plain bad at AA for a college player and former #2 pick. But he hit a hard wall when promoted from CR. But this is what's been hoped for. He's got a ways to go, but if you hit well at AA, you've got a chance to make MLB. I think he's always been a super utility player and that's not a bad thing. If he could play a fairly decent CF, he could be an almost direct replacement for Castro. I'm a little confused about Adams and his future role. He had a really nice 2024 as a SP. IIRC he really cranked it up a notch the 2nd half of the season. But i had heard whispers that while he might have a future as an innings eater at the backend of the rotation, his stuff could really play up in the pen. And while he's been in the pen for all but 1 game this season, he's also been stretched out closer to a starters IP. Its hard to argue with the results so far...though his K% is down...but what are the future plans for him? He could be invaluable as a twice in 6-7 days 2-3 IP pen offering. He might even jump in as a 4 IP spot starter on occasion. Like Bowen, I just need to see the K numbers go up some.

At 22yo and in AAA I wouldn't move him at this time. Most 22yo arms are at A and AA ball. And maybe that's where he should be. But considering age and a solid 2024 that ended on some high notes, i wouldn't move him. Maybe late in this season? Maybe next year as a 23yo if we don't see enough improvement the year? But not now.

Is France worth his $1M for what hea done so far? The answer is yes, as he's played an OK 1B, and has come through in the clutch, so far, and produced runs. He's certainly not horrible as is as a 7th or 8th batter in a healthy Twins lineup. That's an easy answer. And it would be nice if there's more in the tank, as the OP suggests. But the deeper question is SHOULD he be the 1B? Unfortunately, when the only other options were Miranda and Julien, both currently disappointing, he's the best option NOW. With little exception, you DON'T draft 1B. You'd better be damn sure if you do he's a potential rock star of a bat. You CREATE a 1B. This is a team that, rather successfully at times, have put Sano, Solano, and Arraez at 1B pretty much on the fly and gotten solid production from them at the time. But a year to year "fix" at 1B is not sustainable. And it doesn't make sense. And it's the one biggest flaw that I can see in the current development of prospects within the system. If you CREATE 1B, then you have to actually make an ATTEMPT to do so. Let's use Morneau and Mauer as examples. Morneau was a catcher who wasn't going to make it as a catcher so he moved to 1B. Mauer had to move off catcher and became a fine 1B. Where is the creativity? So many want Larnach to be converted to 1B. Maybe he could be. But I bet he hasn't scooped a ball or fielded a grounder since high school. That's not to say he couldn't be good, potentially. I seriously object to the idea that a good athlete is "wasted" by playing 1B. The Dodgers used Bellinger at 1B. The Angels used Erstad at 1B. And they were BOTH CF! Where does this notion of an athletic player at 1B come from? Just because a good athlete might play 1B he suddenly can't make good plays? If anything, he'd be a potentially great defensive 1B! Just because a good athlete played 1B he suddenly couldn't run and maybe steal bases? Well Bellinger and Erstad never lost speed or the ability to hit because they played 1B. So where is the creativity? Keaschall might end up as a quality 1B with more athleticism than most, which could only enhance his ability to play 1B. Or maybe Lee should be the 1B with Lewis at 3B and Keaschall at 2B. Or maybe Lee should play 3B and Lewis should be the 1B moving forward. (2026) The fact that Lewis can be a solid/good 3B DOESNT MEAN that 1B is some sort of demotion. It means you're trying to put all of your best players on the field at every position you can! Isn't that what you're supposed to do? Who days a 1B has to be a 235lb lumbering player who can only play 1B but has a big bat? Why can't your 1B be a good athlete, good defender, as well as a good producer? Bellinger and Erstad would both tell you that's a poor perception and a poor use of your talent. Again, where is the creativity?

Definitely worth a chuckle. But in all seriousness, has he ever had a hot streak like this? Even his MILB numbers never screamed top prospect. I believe i heard his bat speed is 3mph faster than any time in his career. I don't know if that's work he's put in, adjustments made by the Twins, or some combination of the two. Maybe it's the mystical affect of the Cody collective, LOL. But regardless, he's suddenly looking like a possible late bloomer. I doubt he keeps up his current pace/numbers. But sometimes guys figure stuff out late. It would be a great story and great find if that would turn out to be true.

When he was raking in 2024, including when he came back from the IL, he states he had a problem with his wrist hurting a bit even then. Apparently it wasn't too bad, and was manageable. Perhaps it's been bothering him more this year so far? He was performing better before the Buxton collision. And now he's had a week of general rest. So perhaps we'll begin to see more of the normal Correa from here on?

Great news on 4 fronts: 1] The fact that Correa is back means he wasn't injured badly. That's great for hum, but also great to have him back on the field. 2] Buxton being a little behind is actually good news. That would mean he's doing OK vs them being worried about the affects of the collision. 3] Wallner being a couple days behind on his rehab do to the weather stinks, but it shouldn't affect his time table all that much. I'd say a reasonable chance all 3 are back on the field by June 1st. 4] The defense, lineup, and depth are suddenly better just with Correa back. The KC series doesn't make or break the season. But winning 2 of 3 makes a statement and keeps the momentum going. But I'd try to keep Clemens engaged as much as possible as he's hot. And with 2 LH arms from the Royals, I'd really like to see McCusker get shots, whether he's in the OF or at DH. (I think he can potentially hit RH arms as well based on his MILB track record). The arms should be treated with the off day. Everyone should feel a "lift" having CC back. They just need to play the same good ball they've been playing, and take advantage of opportunities. They've done really well at home. Go Twins!

I think your grading is fair. At least based on their entire 20yr stewardship of the franchise. I might argue the "C" on the FO grade somewhat. Once they got rid of Childress and that whole "triangle of authority" business I think they've been a solid "B" grade IMO. Spielman did some really good work but seemed to try to outsmart himself at the end, and he and Zimmer didn't get along at the end at all. And if Brezinski isn't the top cap man in the business, his in the top 2 or 3 probably. It's funny though, I didn't like Kwesi after his 1st year. The poor initial draft sure didn't help his look. But in retrospect, some of the moves he made, or didn't make, were because he was handcuffed and had to remake the roster. I've really come around on him the last couple of years and thinking he's doing a hell of a job.

I think it's fair to question any sort of "push" in regard to the rules. But forever, if a ball carrier is churning legs and still moving forward, even in incremental inches/feet, and the defenders are crowding said ball carrier, isn't it OK for an offensive player to block/push against the defenders? Said ball carrier might pop out of the scrum, or power his way to a 1st down. OR, on the negative side of things, said ball carrier might be stripped of the ball in a struggle and fumble the ball or have it stripped. But IMO, there is a difference between an offensive player helping "block" and push a pile on an active play vs a DESIGNED play where the QB is DELIBERATELY pushed forward by a teammate. One instance is part of an active, current play in the field, and the other is a pre-planned push behind the ball carrier. To me that's a distinct difference. In abstract theory, you could have a 300 pounder grab the QB and toss him over the line of scrimmage. I mean, that's a bizarre example of course, but an extreme example of what wouldn't be allowed. Special teams have rules where you can't leap on a teammate to attempt to penetrate or block a kick. Aren't these somewhat similar? I don't like a deliberate push of the QB to attempt a 1st down. There are rules of WR blocking too early on screens to the outside. But it's OK to push a QB forward? I feel it isn't in the spirit of how the game should be played. QB sneak, hand it off, throw a quick pass, use a bruiser at FB, etc, but I'm not a fan of "blocking" for the QB behind as a designed play.

Because he plays great defense and is a good base runner who can steal a base. If he gets on base, hitting usually 8th, he could make a move with Vazquez getting a hit or maybe bunting him over depending on the situation. He fills a role, but no doubt his bat has been disappointing. But he is filling a certain role at this point. Also because Rocco is seemingly reluctant to throw caution to the wind and give McCusker a chance to play and see if you get lucky. To be fair, he's only been around for 2 games, so we'll see what happens over the next week or so.

I think Rocco learned a hard lesson about PH too soon in 2024. And maybe he's been forced to learn that lesson due to injuries this season. I don't feel it's necessarily a negative for a manager to continue to learn and adapt. I wasn't able to watch the game. Were I able to, I also probably would have been upset with such an early move. You just can't play the match up game so early in the game because it usually comes back to bite you later. But agree that it turned out OK as Clemens has been a godsend of a pickup. Who knew? He could easily revert back to a pumpkin tomorrow. I have no idea if he's a late bloomer in the right place and time to suddenly discover how to be a productive hitter. I rather doubt it. But you play the HOT HAND when you have one. Especially when you're missing so many of your top hitters right now. My only real beef, I guess, is what happens over the next week? We're still down 3 of our best players. I'm not saying don't play the hot Clemens, but considering McCusker has been hitting both side arms at AAA and absolutely RAKING down there, why not see if you get a SECOND hot bat who could run in to a few big hits? You've got nothing to lose letting him DH or play some OF and see if he can make a difference. If he doesn't, he doesn't. But it's all hands on deck, next man up. But you don't know if the next man can deliver if you don't give him a shot to do so.

I'm fully on board the Prielipp hype train. He's got a special arm. Was this maybe his best outing of the season so far? I'm 100% in agreement on the 50 pitch limit. There's just no reason to push his arm too soon, too fast. And we're only coming to the end of May. There's still a good 3 months plus in the MILB season and he'll probably be at 60 pitches soon. Considering how well he's doing, I can't imagine he won't be at St Paul come July 1st. But another month at AA won't depress me at all. Its all about build up and repetition and growing confidence. Ramp him up to 60 pitches in June, hit AAA in July, and then probably back him down late August due to IP with the possibility of throwing 1 inning at a time for the Twins to close out the season. I'm not banking on him being part of the Twins pen late in the year, but he could be. Then, in 2026, he begins the season in St Paul in the rotation to continue his IP build up.

I really wanted that 2nd game win today. Its too bad Varland couldn't have pulled a rabbit out of the hat and gotten out of that inning, but it was a tough spot. Very disappointed in Funderburk's appearance, but he didn't cost us the game. The offense just couldn't get anything going it seems. And 1 run very seldom gets the job done. With a day to reset the pen, and a breather for everyone, it's important to take 2 of 3 from KC. Hopefully Mother Nature helps out a bit as well. Scratch and claw to score some runs and just keep playing the good ball that they've been accomplishing so far, and this weekend could be a good one. Go Twins!

I do think Lewis and Lee are both important for now, and the future. I think that's a given. Lewis has looked better as of late, and that's both positive and important. And I feel Lee is looking a lot more like the player/bat we've been expecting. I don't think Lee is anything close to a finished product yet though. I'd say he's looking about 75-80% of what's expected, or at least hoped for. I don't like to make fanciful predictions for young players as there's just so much that can lead to the final outcome. I do think he's a .270-.280 hitter with solid contact and a decent BB rate. I see 30+ Dbls every year and mid teens HR numbers eventually. Right now it's about playing every day and letting him continue to develop. With a little luck...and we don't have a lot of it injury wise...CC, Buck, and Wallner will all be good to go over the next 7 to 14 days, and there will be no lingering affects from the pair of concussions. But it's a little disingenuous to put too much importance on Lewis and Lee. You still have to put 9 names on that lineup card. And even with Correa, Buxton, and Wallner back, we still need Larnach and Jeffers to keep producing. We still need France to about the league average hitter he's been so far. (Though he gets bonus points for being fairly clutch so far this season). I doubt Bader keeps up his current numbers, but it doesn't mean he can't be a contributor. I do think it's important to play hot hands while you've got them. I have serious doubts that Clemens has suddenly "figured something out" to make him a viable part of the team for the future, but he's been really good since he came on board. Keep playing while he's hot! But considering McCusker has hit pitchers from BOTH sides at AAA, and the dearth of power in the lineup currently, I'd put him in the lineup daily at OF/DH and just see if you might get lucky a 2nd time. Opportunity sometimes breads success. Lack of opportunity leads to nothing but splinters from the bench.

Thankfully we have probably the best cap man in the business! What's interesting to me when I look at some starters, and most of the backups, how young a lot of this team really is.

Larnach has "benefited" with Wallner out in regard to facing more LHP. In the long run, that's a good thing for development. Wallner was basically the one who got those opportunities presented injury. Might they BOTH get more opportunities when Wallner is back? Or will be a bit of a mix? Regardless, it's nice to see LH bats get opportunities to GROW as hitters. The severe platoons and PH really did very little good. It's great to see Clemens being hot. But I have serious doubts it will maintain. He's just never been a great hitter at any level. But every once in a while a guy sort of figures it out late in his career to become a useful player. Not saying it's happening here. But ride him while he's hot. There is nothing but a hooeful time table for Buxton and Correa. Considering the current roster, and his production at AAA, I'd play McCusker daily for now, at DH or the OF. What do you have to lose? He might walk in to 3 or 4 doubles and 3 or 4 HR on a hot streak similar to Clemens. I don't know if Lewis is the low man on the defensive platform, or if they're just being overly cautious as he gets his legs under him. Perhaps literally. His defense has looked OK and the bat seems to be heating up. I think Castro's OF usage has been a result of Bader tweaking a muscle and then Buxton being out. I think Rocco has done a really good job juggling the lineup to get as much production as he can. It also helps that Vazquez has risen from the grave to actually make some contributions here and there.

Gibson is a class guy. I always thought he was a bit of a victim of expectations. He looked like a potential steal when drafted. And the SP for the Twins was rather bleak at the time. He just wasn't a front end starter. But he had a pretty solid career overall.

Honestly, I was a little surprised they signed old friend Eric Wilson instead of bringing back Grugier-Hill, who i thought played well in 2024. I had high hopes that Asamoah would turn in to cover LB, but that just hasn't happened to date. With a 1st, a 2nd, and a pair of 3rd rounders next year, I could see a LB being a definite selection to back up Cashman. Again, I think SAFETY will be a high priority as Smith is going to hang it up one of these days. I also agree that it's up to the coaches to get everyone as good as they can. Again, I like the players at CB, it's just the one spot im a little concerned about until guys step up to make me not concerned. They certainly have some intriguing options there.

I agree completely. Corner is the one spot I remain slightly leary of. I like the bodies there. I'm just a little anxious to see everyone of those options take a step forward. The potential is there to be pretty solid, if not really good. Agree a SAFETY and possibly another CB are probably priorities in the next draft.

Funderburk is probably the weakest link right now. He's got some good stuff, and still might get it all working together, but he's got to get better against LH bats. Getting Coulombe back is HUGE. In fairness to Alcala, the pure stuff is there, and his last 4 appearances have been quite good. What matters is what he does going forward, not the rough beging to his season. Nobody is ever perfect, and guys will blow games once in a while. It's the nature of the beast. But if the talented but enigmatic Alcala is your 8th man, you've got a hell of a pen. I also think McCaughan might be of use still. I was fairly impressed when he was up. His stuff seemed to have good movement. I wouldn't doubt Adams makes an appearance from the pen at some point as well. I don't want to mess with Prielipp in the pen right now. I want to keep him trending as a SP. But I can see an innings limit late in the year where he might help the Twins on a 1 IP per situation. Just need to get Matthews to settle down and settle in, and get our injured back for the lineup, as well as Coulombe in the pen. I think this team could still make a little noise when all is said and done.