DocBauer

If any of these 3, or anyone else, rises from A ball to the Twins this season either something has gone REALLY RIGHT for said arm, or something has gone REALLY WRONG for the Twins. Right now they would be behind Matthews, Morris, Raya, Lewis, and Adams. But if we want to talk about arms that could be fast risers in 2025, these 3 are logical candidates, though as pointed out, Culpepper has already reached AA. I'm betting he gets close to half a season of AAA unless there's just too much depth to allow for such. Prielipp might finish the season in someone's pen to monitor/control innings, but I doubt it's for the Twins. IIRC Lee started slowly, ramped up in the second half with much better results, and a number of those 11 earned runs over his final 8+ were due to the disgusting tip pitching controversy of a certain disgraced and jettisoned catcher in the final game of the season. A couple strong candidates for a big jump include Ty Langenberg and Tanner Hall, both out of the 2023 draft. Langenberg only tossed 7 innings in 2023 and Hall none, so 2024 was, basically, the debut for both. Ty had a pretty good season. Hall, my preseason pick to click in 2024, was inconsistent but did show progress. Kyle Jones might be another one. At AA, Macleod and Ohl could be a couple guys ready to take their performance up another level.

Not a fan of either France or Joe. I guess, at the least, either at the very least offers the ability to play some OF as well as 1B. I'd agree France offers the most upside between the 2. Woof! Right now, i guess you move Vazquez and Paddack and try to save $17M. IMO, you sign Bell for $7M, hopefully, and get some DH/1B/PH ability and leave any RHOF time to Castro and the winner of a Helman-Martin ST fight. Then trade a couple top 20 prospects for a young catcher to work with Jeffers. MAYBE there's enough room to add a cheap veteran FA catcher who's still looking for a job? NOT ideal. But if the ONLY options to add was a 1B/DH/PH bat, I think I'd go there before an OF add. Read a solid arguement the other day of Paddack and a decent prospect to the Cubs for one of their young RHOF. That offers up another OF alternative and still saves $. Then you can afford to add Bell with the Vazquez signing? Again, NOT ideal, but maybe a way to add 2 by trading away 2 and a handful of top 30 prospects?

Are we sure about his back being an issue? He hurt his shoulder and that cost him 2023. His back cost him health/production the 2nd half of 2024. But I don't recall him having back issues previously. As far as weird splits and being more affective against RHP, I could live with that. And while he HAS been better in his short career, I would have to believe there might be some regression to the norm against LHP at some point. A .683 against LHP isn't horrible considering he only faces them about 25% of the time. I do think SOMEONE will probably be added at some point, even if it's a low rent option, as I don't know that anyone but Helman or Julien has any sort of experience playing 1B.

JULIEN: Complete lost last season. @chpettit19has commented about Jalien's swing plane not being good. I'm not knowledgeable enough about that. But I do believe he needs to try and follow the "Larnach" path of just swinging and making some better contact on the breaking stuff, even if results in foul balls. As great as his recognition is, he's going to be anemic just waiting for a fastball. Based on college, his MILB career, and his rookie season in 2023, I think there's a bat that plays at the ML level. But he's got to be more aggressive at times with his swing. I'm crossing my fingers, but last season was really bad. LEE: I see Lee as a consistent. 280 ish batter with contact and a solid OB%. I'm expecting 30+ Dbls and around 14-18 HR per year with good defense. That's not a STAR, but that's a really good, solid ML player. Between being a rookie and hurting his shoulder a couple weeks in, his timing was off, and probably his power as well. I think he's going to be OK. LEWIS: IMO, it all comes down to health for him. His body might have been adjusting to such a long season and he wore down. It's been a while since he played a full year. I'm encouraged by his offseason work with a previous trainer that made him feel "loose" when they worked together before. Between these 3, Julien is the one I'd expect to open at AAA. There's still a couple open spots on the 40 man, IIRC, even before any possible trades of Paddack, and Vazquez. The position side is short and needs depth. But I maintain trading Castro really shorts the roster in many ways and he may be too valuable to move. But SOMETHING is probably going to happen in January to free up some $ for an add or two. And I'm still expecting a prospect or two to be moved in an add, youth for youth I'd bet. And that might just be a catcher from someone, possibly the Dodgers. TODAY, I'm expecting Keirsey to get 1st shot as the backup CF. And as of TODAY, I'd expect 1 of Helman or Martin as a utility player off the bench. Since Helman can play 7 spots, I'd lean to him at the moment. That doesn't leave much in reserve at AAA. So again, I'm seeing a couple additions after subtraction. It's rather messy, and not optimal, but it's where we sit TODAY.

Just saw that! 6 minutes ago according to the article I read. LOL $12M for 1 year? Sorry, but no, not for a 39yo hoping to have a 3rd straight rebound season. Makes my argument for Bell all that more poignant.

Goldschmidt for 1yr and $12.5M? That's about what I was HOPING the Twins would grab him for before it became apparent they weren't going to have any $ to work with this season. I would love to have that deal for the Twins in 2025. Oh well. The Twins need SOMEONE besides Miranda to play 1B. Not sure if that's Julien or Helman or Severino (non to man option). But if this is what we are to consider, there's only 2 I think I'd even consider. Santana offers good defense at least, should his 39yo bat suddenly hit the end. I don't like his generally poor hitting ability against RHP, and no matter how well he conditions himself, Father Time is going to claim in sooner rather than later. Could he be used as a part time player and defensive replacement in 2025? Or would his $ be too high for that kind of role? I only ask because again, the age factor. But at least the defense is legitimate Bell is a guy I've had my eye on for weeks now. He's not a guy I want playing 1B daily, but he can at least fill in and work with Miranda to Miranda isn't pressured to be THE GUY from day one. But unlike Santana, Bell has almost neutral splits in his career so he can provide a solid bat with some OB ability and power in the 6th or 7th spot in the lineup as a DH/1B and could be a valuable veteran PH from either side as well. He's averaged about 47 XBH and 72 RBI the last 3 seasons since he turned 30yo. I've had a hard time finding any speculation on his worth for a signing, but I've seen $5.5-7M. I'd spend that for a veteran switch hitter with some power and decent production who can help at 1B.

He'd have to pay to play, so that helps lower payroll a bit. And every bit helps. :)

His OPS the last 3 seasons were .626-.642-.586. And he can't play the field worth a darn, is injury prone, and we'd want him for our primary DH? His only saving grace is that he's been better against RHP in his career. What kind of a contract are we even talking about here? If Grichuk were available for $4M I'd much rather have him as someone who can still play a little OF, hit RHP, and beat up on LHP. Even Ramon Laureano would be a better option for the same reasons. I'm starting to sound so much like a broken record I'm actually getting tired of listening to myself, but Josh Bell at 1B/DH for around $7M is a better hitter, a switch hitter with generally neutral splits, and can help backup Miranda at 1B, even though he's doesn't offer much defensively. I don't see a fit here at all.

I see 3 major issues here: 1] As previously noted, Luzardo has ONE successful season in his career so far. Are the Twins really going to bet he's 100% now and ready to roll? Call me "concerned" if not doubtful. 2]Losing Castro in this scenario, or any, depletes the INF and robs us of a "starting" 10th man who's ability to cover 2B/SS/3B is even more important than his ability in the OF. 3]Keaschall is the likely replacement for Castro in 2026 if he's gone. Not at SS more than likely, and while he may be questionable at 3B as well, he's a possible OF/2B/1B option with a skill set that might make him thr Twins primary leadoff hitter for several seasons. We're talking a big double-wammy of lost bat and positional flexibility/depth. Also, in regard to Nardi, he's got some solid numbers and reportedly pretty good stuff. But he's also got a career OPS of .822 against RH batters, even worse at .849 in 2024. That makes him more of a LOOGY and that doesn't interest me. I MIGHT be talked in to this deal if the Twins could keep Castro, and replace Keaschall for Kael Culpepper. Also, with Vazquez gone, who's the 2nd catcher? What $ is left to sign whoever is left on the market? Or do we trade even more prospects for a young catcher. Suddenly we're down Castro, and Keaschall, no #2 catcher, and we're probably trading away another 2 or 3 prospects for said young catcher and we're minus the comp pick for the 2025 draft to help re-stock? And this is predicated on Luzardo actually being 100% healthy and back to his 2023 level of success, the only real quality season of his career? I say a pretty big NO.

Sorry. Thanks for catching that. I meant Josh Bell of course. Thanks!

IMO, Castro is the Twins 10th man. He's not just a utility player. He's a SUPER UTILITY player who is more than capable of being a "starter" at many positions, but is a "starter" as that 10th man who not only gives rest to players, but is a quasi-starter in the daily lineup who is a .740-.750 OPS player when healthy. And he's shown that in 2023 and the first half of 2024 before his back issues. Again, in my "be the GM" I offered up the idea of extending him for 3yrs and $20M with a 2025 $ cost of $5.5-5.7M to ease the payroll. It locks him in, more than doubles his career earnings, but also keep his contract tradeable in the future. I'm a believer in Lee. I think he's going to be a quality player at 2B or 3B defensively, who can cover SS solidly. He's going to hit, get OB, provide solid contact, and provide XB and some HR power. What I'm not sure of is whether or not he's going to be good or great. I'm not quite 100% sure he's ready to be a starter from day ONE in 2025. I'm a HUGE believer in Lewis, especially if he finally gets over weird, random soft tissue injuries that have held him back. (He's working with a trainer he has before and trusts). And who knows if Julien will get right again? When is Keaschall ready? Castro is more important than some low level RH bat. He's a part of the lineup. His value might dip come 2026 with further development and promotion of talent on hand. But I believe he's a key piece for 2025. And I wouldn't move him unless he was part of a serious return for a young player for now and the future.

My impressions of him in 2024 were that he was growing with confidence about mid season. You could even see it in his demeanor on the mound. Unfortunately, he began running out of gas the last month. A little more endurance goes a long way. My other impression, alluded to in the OP, was that he was sometimes stuck battling hitters too long. He doesn't have to K 10 per 9 to take the next step. A couple more per game would be nice, but what's as affective is getting ahead more often and just putting guys away a little earlier, K, ground ball, pop up, it doesn't matter. A few less pitchers here and there let's him go longer per game, and longer for the season. He had a solid rookie season and I think there's honest hope he notches things up a level in 2025. Pure stuff though, and potential. I like Festa better and wouldn't be surprised to see him bump SWR to the #5 spot at some time. But that would actually be a good development.

Based on what I saw last season from Martin, which wasn't good, I'd have him ranked behind Helman as a backup at this point. Doesn't mean I'm giving up all hope on Martin, but Helman has more power, can play more positions, and pretty much has to be a better defensive OF. Laureano on an inexpensive deal is a nice option to compete for that RH OF spot as his defense isn't terrible, he can be a 3rd/4th option in CF, and has been mostly split neutral in his career. So while he's not great, he's solid, and not JUST a short side platoon mate. Grichuk is probably a step up on Laureano, also with mostly neutral splits, but might cost too much for the Twins to bring on board. No to France. He's had 2 pretty good years and has been average to below average otherwise. Ad someone mentioned...and I have previously brought up ad well...Josh Bell can share 1B/DH duties with Miranda, has a solid bat and OB, still has decent power, and is a switch hitter with very neutral splits for his career. At around $7M, he's been a much better option than France, or a 40yo about to fall off a cliff. It's hard to have too many LH batters when 75% of the league is RH. And there's nothing wrong with having some RH bats on your team. The problem is adding RH bats for a limited role since they can't hit RHP but invariably are asked to as they play a hell of a lot more than 25% of the time.

Correa's first season with the Twins in 2022 was one of the best in his career. His 2023 was marred by injury as a "tough it out and try to help" year where he was finally healthy enough to finish the season strong and help in the playoffs. There's no question his 2024 was disappointing for missing the 2nd half, despite being about the only hitter who didn't cave the last 6 weeks. But what he did in 2024 shouldn't be ignored. And it should also put to rest anyone who is actually listening to pundits in other cities who speculate they should inquire about Correa as just fluff. He's of tremendous importance to the Twins and he's not going anywhere. And that's a good thing! I've suffered through plantar facilities and had the worst physical pain in my life. But it's never come back. I'm willing to bet Correa, through therapy and better shoes, won't have a return of PF again. I'm so stoked about what he will bring to the 2025 Twins as a hitter and leader. Supposedly, his defense is not as great as it once was. Maybe. I just know that the SS I saw in 2024 was outstanding! And I see NO REASON not to expect general excellence in 2025 from Correa yet again if he's healthy.

Of course you talk to him, like at least 25 other teams probably do as well. The Maeda speaking to him is interesting from the perspective of a Japanese player and his time spent in Minnesota and being a Twin, but he's also a Tiger right now, so why would he do a favor for the Twins? If you were to have someone speak to him, it would be your #1 ambassador Corlos Correa about what it's like to be in Minnesota and what it's like to be a Twin. The idea of an ownership change could absolutely change anyone's opinion on joining a team. But then again, if he's "plugged in" to what's happening in MLB circles, he MIGHT see this as a positive for the future of the Twins. Not blowing smoke, it's about how Falvey...and possibly Correa...spin the upside of the future. I don't agree poor weather in the early season is a negative. Half the teams in MLB are still in northern climates. If he really and truly is not wanting to face the media crunch and absurdity of major city media and expectations, there's still a value in marketing deals that other smaller markets might provide that are questionable in Minnesota. Toronto? Seattle? Personally, I think the Twins, Minnesota, Target Field, the overall nucleus of talent and a solid MILB system should be of interest to anyone in his shoes/cleats. But I just don't see the Twins as being a winner here at the end of the day. And I'm not spending daydream hours as to what his addition would mean for the rotation, and the ability to comfortably trade a few high ranking arms in the system for help elsewhere. But it sure is an intriguing option. But OF COURSE you put on the best full court presentation you can. You never make a basket if you don't take the shot.

If I HAD to pick one I'd probably go with Santana for his defense and expect regression at 39yo and make him a part time player and defensive replacement to work with Santana. I mean, if my choice is a 39yo and a 40yo and both are about ready to fall off a cliff offensively due to the inescapable touch of Father Time, I'd go with the better glove. But I don't like either option. I stated in my "you be the GM" post that Yandy Diaz from the Rays might be available as he's $10M this season with a team option for $12M in 2026. That's very affordable. And Diaz is financially at the point where the Rays look to flip a player for prospects. So let's say the Twins do that, send a couple top 20 prospects for Diaz. We'll that can only happen if Vazquez is moved. We'll then who's your backup catcher? You have to sign someone from what's left on the FA market, or trade even more prospects for a young catcher. Do we really want to trade away 4-5 top 30 prospects to make these moves? Maybe, but that's going to hurt, even though you get a short term positive addition and a hopefully long term one as well. And all of this assuming ownership would still approve a payroll above $130M, even a little above. I'm sure many won't like this idea, but what I proposed is moving Vazquez and Paddack to open up some $, and then sign Josh Bell as a DH/1B addition. From speculation I've read, he should come in for around $7M. He's durable, only 33yo, is a switch hitter with nearly neutral splits, can DH, share 1B with Miranda, and probably be a really good PH when not in the lineup. He doesn't provide anything defensively, but probably isn't worse than Turner, only has to share 1B with Miranda, isn't around 40yo, and is solid...not great...offensively and could be a solid #6-7 hitter, and probably costs about the same as either Santana or Turner. That still leaves open the ability to trade 2-3 top 30 prospects to get a young catcher to replace Vazquez. And I like that approach better.

So it's my understanding that the Twins attempted to trade for Castellono recently and were rebuffed. Not sure if they didn't like the offer or were considering keeping him. But they then go ahead and leave him open for the rule 5 and make him available for cash. Doesn't make a lot ton of sense to me, but oh well. Wouldn't it just be smarter to offer the Phillies a little something in trade so the Twins could just keep him? They could then put him in MILB instead of protecting him all season. He could still be used in a shuttle run up and down as that long man if you still want/need. But I'd rather have a Varland power arm in my pen daily than a barely ever used, AA experienced only rule 5 stash just sitting there. I want a full, 8 man pen, not a 7 plus 1.

Smaller should have already been in, IMO. I've got to say yes to Bruno. I think Koskie's 6 years and some great numbers should be in as well. Mack was phenomenal with the Twins. Did he do it long enough to warrant HOF status is my question? I'd probably stop there, but there are arguements to be made for the rest.

I can see MILB prospects being traded for a young, controllable player, and that would include pitchers like Lewis, Culpepper, and Soto. Remember, Chase Petty was moved for Gray. Would they trade for a young OF? Maybe. But with Larnach and Wallner on hand, Rodriguez close, and Jenkins possibly only a year or so away, I have some doubts. Could it be a young, powerful 1B? There's a need there for sure. How about a young catcher with upside to team with Jeffers for the next few years? That might more sense since the top 2 catching prospects in the system, Cossetti and Cardenas, had poor seasons in 2024. But after working so hard to get a rotation that starts with Lopez, Ober, and Ryan, and some good looking young arms that have just arrived, or are close to arriving, I think it would be a major mistake to suddenly trade away from the top spots in the rotation.

I didn't like projections of Amick as our 1st pick. I liked him in the 2nd round quite a lot. The swing and decent eye says he has potential to be a solid bat with power. There's still too much swing and miss and he has to reign that in some. And while pre draft reports indicated he had worked hard on his 3B defense, I think he's still got a ways to go to remain there. But that's also fairly typical for a lot of young infielders. With Lee/Lewis at 3B, and Culpepper another future option there, assuming of today I'm expecting an eventual move to 1B. And I'm OK with that. The Twins haven't had a quality 1B prospect in years. His AVG in so few AB after a full college season, then the college WS, and then transitioning to pro ball doesn't concern me at all. His BABIP was unusually low, but again, a SSS. The OB and SLG numbers looked just fine. Absolutely expect him to break with Cedar Rapids. He makes improvement overall in contact and chase numbers, he's got the ability to reach AA sometime in the 2nd half of 2025 as a 22yo. That's damn good.

No. They love what he brings to the team offensively and defensively, as well as leadership and "baseball intelligence". He had a great first season with the Twins when initially signed. He provided a boost at the end of 2023 when he was feeling better. He had one of the best 1st halves of a season in his career in 2024 before his other foot had issues, and then was one of the few bats that didn't fall asleep the last month of the season when he returned. At this point, there's nothing to indicate his plantar issues will be chronic. I've had the issue and it was one of the worst things I've ever endured in my life. (Just 1 foot). And I've never had a re-occurance. Rest, therapy, and new shoes should have Correa and everyone optimistic he's past these issues. I know it's hard to say "never again", but I think optimism is warranted here. His bat is as good as ever, and his defense is still excellent. And he brings a ton of intangibles including a certain cache from being such a major signing. Personally, I don't find anything wrong with Falvey's comments. Since day one..."coach/management speak" or not...he's always said he'd pick up the phone and listen to anyone calling about any player. To me that's just being open and honest. Now, you might argue it's TOO open and honest, but from Correa to Jenkins, you ALWAYS listen. Someone might just make a seemingly stupid, crazy offer that you'd have to consider. He's also been pretty open and honest about how much they like Correa and what he brings to the team. This was all started by some NY writers offering up conjecture. That's what writers do, and are supposed to do. I think this is nothing about nothing.

Ioved Santana's defense and it sounds like he was beloved in the clubhouse. But can we really expect a season similar to 2024 from him? I'd love to trade prospects to Tampa for Yandy Diaz. He's $10M next season with a club option in 2026 for $12M i believe. But that only happens if they clear enough $ to afford him. That probably means Vazquez is gone. But then who is the 2nd catcher? I know some people won't like it, but I'm kinda looking at George Bell as a younger and possibly better switch hitting bat who can DH and help at 1B with Miranda. Not much defense from him, but he's got experience at least, and doesn't have to be the full time 1B. I like his bat in the 6 or 7 hole instead of hoping Santana can defying Father Time for one more year.

I also vote Perkins and Goltz. I just don't see enough time spent with the Twins to qualify for this award from the others. Boswell I can't comment on accurately as he was before my time and I just don't know enough about his career to be a fair judge.

Exciting to be sure! An ownership that loves sports and wants to invest in a winner and even make it accessible to the fans? What a novel idea! It's so crazy it just might work.

I thought the Cubs and the Bo Sox were perfect trade targets for Vazquez. Make no mistake, I don't want to trade Vazquez if the payroll crunch wasn't in place. But this is a perfect "rubber meets rode" opportunity for the Twins to move Vazquez, free up $ for a move, and then trade prospects to the Dodgers, for example, to find a young catcher to team with Jeffers. Kinda stinks Teel is off the board for a Twins acquisition target, but it sure offers up a trade possibility for the Twins to move forward.