DocBauer

As I said in another OP post, it's possible either of Larnach or Wallner MIGHT be able to adapt to 1B. The problem is we're talking career OF who might not have played on the dirt since college or HS! And now they have to scoop, as well as adjust to odd throws, as well as learning the basics of handling a ground ball at 1B. IMO, the FO has taken "position less defense" one step too far when it comes to 1B. And it IS the least valuable defensive position overall, and always has been. But 1B has been handled average-ish with the likes of Sano and Arraez and Solano before Santana last season. The difference is those guys were INF and more used to playing in the dirt. Sabato was the ONE GUY the drafted as a pure 1B and that's tured out to be a bust! But 1B SHOULD still be considered an important position, and not JUST due to offense. Better defense is better defense. Larnach or Wallner are far down my 1B option spectrum. I'd bet real $...and I'm not a betting man...that Julien would be a better defensive 1B than Larnach because he's simply USED to playing in the dirt. But I'm also anti-conventional when it comes to roster construction. I despise the "he's too good of an athlete to be played at 1B" mantra because it's ridiculous. There is NOTHING wrong with Keaschall being able to play 2B, AND being able to play a good CF/LF and maybe even some SS/3B if his arm recovers 100%. He could be an even better version of Castro! But why couldn't he just be an outstanding 1B? Being a great athlete means what, that he could be really good defensively at 1B vs a statue? And how does playing 1B decrease his potential offensively from being a potentially good hitter, OB%, good XB hitter, and a guy who can steal bases? Erstad of the Angels a few years ago and Cody Bellinger were true CF who also played 1B because THEY COULD, and the offense was the same. So no to Larnach. And very much a YES to making Keaschall a stud 1B with great offense.

I have ZERO issues with Bader covering LF against LHP. He's a quality defender with good range and a good arm. And there is more territory to cover in LF. Conversely, Wallner and Larnach are a better fit in those scenarios as there is less total ground to cover...at least at home...and while Larnach doesn't have Wallner's cannon, he's got a solid arm. Whoever doesn't start is available to come off the bench later in the game. Meanwhile, as stated in the OP, both Larnach and Wallner did raise their performance somewhat against LHP in 2024. With little doubt, maturity/experience has something to do with that, but also they just received more opportunity in 2024 to do so. Neither of them...or any other LH hitter...will ever grow to an acceptable level unless actually given the opportunity to improve. So this is a potential win-win. I think the objection I, and others, have had is to build the entire roster to be platoon heavy. You end up with a roster of "specialists" that completely messes you up later in games when pitcher handedness swaps. This scenario doesn't do this. It's the smart way to do SOME platooning. There's also a thought that having a LH bat, or two even, in a lineup against a LHSP might play a little against said SP simply because he has to re-think and change his approach just a little a time or two through the lineup when a LH bat comes up. And let's face it, Larnach and Wallner both have the ability to make major damage on a mistake pitch against a LHP. So again, this works. Martin is out of the equation, IMO, assuming he makes the roster, unless he's in LF and Bader is in CF to give Buxton a day off. But the same theory applies.

Keaschall teasing everyone with his future is my #1, though he might begin limited to DH only as they test out his arm. I believe he's supposed to be full go by mid March? My #2 is Canterino. The TJ is over and done with and he's FINALLY due a little good luck in his pro career. He won't break with the club, but he's going to be used ONE INNING at a time in the spring and look like it will be between he and Varland for "next man up" when they need a pen arm.

Biggest impact? Keaschall is the easy answer to the #1. It's only a question as to when he's up to help. I can see Blewett getting a shot at some point. But I think one of Lewis or Morris has a greater opportunity for a major impact as the season goes along. Festa, then Matthews in a pecking order for help, But I could see Lewis or Morris coming up before Raya, despite not being on the 40 man yet. Funderburk should be far ahead of Misiewicz, but I can see him making some appearances. Biggest potential surprise? How about Speas at 27yo and with his 6th organization suddenly finding a modicum of control and being a surprise arm in the pen?

You know, it's one thing to bring in a guy you hope will be healthy, rebound, and be the guy he was 2 years ago after a pair of medioce seasons. But it's another thing to declare that same guy...more or less ignored by the other 29 teams...a full time starter from day ONE. This just makes no sense to me at all. The only thing that should have been said would be something along the lines of "we think he's healthy and looks good. He's going to have every opportunity to compete for a spot on our team and hopefully be a productive member." And that's basically it. Period.

The world is better with baseball back in business!

I wish I had an answer. Over the years, it's been my experience that a few weekend games are on the radio. I've caught a few ST games in the past on TV. IIRC some of them were on MLB TV as they sort of ramp up for the season. I WANT to say a couple were on the MLB package but can't recall correctly at the moment. Sorry, wish I had more to offer. And since we're entering new territory, I'd say just keep checking the APP often, and if you have MLB TV on your TV package, keep looking for ST games that they might offer.

I fully admit that in MY case, Santana exceeded my expectations in 2024. I think that's true for most of us. And until he stepped up in ST 2023 and made the club. I don't think ANYONE saw Castro suddenly maturing in to a good ML player. And honestly, I didn't know who Stewart was until he performed well. It frustrates me when the Twins bring in a "who" flier in the offseason and those signings are met with a certain amount of chagrin. EVERY team in MLB brings those fliers in for competition and to fill out their AAA rosters. SOMETIMES you get a surprise. Santana, Castro, and Stewart are recent examples that have paid off. In a recent OP about Rizzo and Turner, I made a somewhat flippant comment that I'd rather they sign France as a 30yo bounce back candidate vs a player who is toast, and another who is 40yo and on a downturn. Guess I sorta got my "wish", LOL. France is a bit of a late bloomer who had 2 really solid seasons with Seattle, and 2 somewhat mediocre seasons. My expectations for him are low. His early 2024 season numbers before injury give me SOME hope he might turn things around. Again, at a not old 30yo, we often see guys fade due to whatever reasons, and then rebound. So I don't hate his signing as a flier. Maybe he's healthy and surprises. It happens! My consternation is A] even if he does well, why should he replace Miranda, limiting his growth and potential, as the primary 1B, B] will we end up with another Gallo/Farmer/Margot situation where they stubbornly refuse to cut him if he's not performing well because he's a veteran. Just my $.02.

If you look at his career seasons, he's been very much a yo-yo performer with the bat. Poor, average, poor, above average, poor again, etc. I can't recall why he wasn't in MLB in 2023. But his numbers were pretty good in 2021-2022 and 2024. At 35yo, does the glove still play at SS? If so, they should jump on him for a MILB deal as insurance. Guessing he'd want an opt out, but still, it might be a smart flier to take.

This not directed at good sir, just a general comment. I find it interesting how often I hear comments about Larnach or Wallner moving to 1B even though they are career OF and I don't know if either has ever played at 1B in MILB. When Rodriguez is up, I agree he'll play almost daily somewhere. I think it's more likely Larnach/Wallner see some time at DH and the OF. Not saying one of them might not be able to transition to 1B. Maybe they can. But they aren't used to grounders/choppers/playing in the dirt so IDK if either has the ability/instincts to do so.

He can also be one of/the primary DH and hard work has turned him in to a passable/average 3B. But I agree his best spot, with work and experience, is 1B. And unless France proves to be measurably better there, it should be Miranda.

I like the Coulombe signing quite a lot. I'm good with Bader as long as he's a well paid, veteran 4th OF and not a full time starter. The bat is below average for him to be starting daily in a corner OF spot. France as a bounce back flier at 30yo is smarter than some of the 35-40yo options out there. But as to the rest: CARTAYA: I'm sorry, I'm just not as excited about him as others are. The CS % has been low and his bat abandoned him once he hit AA. (unlike Camargo who throws better and who's bat picked up at AA). But was some of that his back injury? I'm intrigued...I just don't know that I expect a lot. I hope he proves the Dodgers and me wrong. CASTELLANO: I know the Twins liked him enough to try and trade for him before the rule 5. I know he was the Phillies MILB pitcher of the year. But is he really better than Matthews, Morris, Lewis, Raya, Culpepper, etc? I'm going to pay attention, of course, but I don't see room for a bullpen roster stash on a team that has contention intentions. GASPER: There's just no reason to be excited about a poor defensive catcher who's played a couple innings at 2B here and there, but is primarily a 1B with little power and is 29yo. So why do I keep getting this feeling in the back of my head that his high contact and high OB% might give him the last spot on the bench at some point as a "different" type of hitter than many other Twins players? YNOA: Hard not to be intrigued by a former farmhand that did pretty well for Atlanta before getting hurt. Is he a potential pen option later in the season as a middle/long arm? SPEAS: I expect nothing from Speas at all. But the former 2nd round pick is still only 25yo and averaged 13.9K per 9 in MILB. He also didn't allow hits, fewer than IP, at a rate of only 6.8 per 9. BUT, he also had a BB number of 8.4 per 9!! Those BB rates are insanely bad. But what if the Twins are the right place and right time in his career at his age and he suddenly finds a modicum of control? It's worth at least paying attention to.

Excited that baseball is starting again! I like the Coulombe signing quite a bit, even though there's some injury risk. He was on my short list of good and affordable LHRP options. I have no problem with the Bader signing, and even like it IF he's a true 4th OF to cover CF, play a little LF here and there so Larnach or Wallner can DH or have a full day off. I also like him as a PR and a late inning defensive replacement. But if he's a full time starter with that bat I have real issues. If you don't have the $ to really reinforce 1B, then why not a 30yo who's been good, and started last season decently, on a cheap and non guaranteed deal? But France is nothing special with the glove, and not part of the future. So IF his bat rebounds, use him as a DH and part time 1B but allow Miranda to be the primary option there. As a neutral split, veteran player, I can see him as a decent PH option as well. He's got some potential value. But he's not special, and he's not part of the future, so please don't sacrifice the development of Miranda just because France is a veteran. Losing Headrick might not hurt, but he was never given an opportunity to just focus on being a RP. Instead, he seemed to bounce back and forth between the pen and the rotation. I thought he might take a step forward this season in St Paul if just used in that role. However, I do think Nowlin might have surpassed him at some point regardless. Good for Helman to get a shot elsewhere. I'll be rooting for him and watching how he does.

He's an every day player? Great. Let him be the more frequent DH and a part time 1B. Miranda is a better bat, and is younger, and part of the future. France is not.

Lee doesn't have speed. I agree on that. He's not a great athlete. But from what I've seen, he has the limited "quickness" and instinct that allows him to get to balls and make plays. He's got soft hands and a decent arm. I like him defensively. I can't believe I'm saying this, but he reminds me of Ripken and Correa in that he has the baseball instincts and hands to be positioned properly to make a play. (Bit of a stretch I know). To me he's a bit like Julien. When you hit in HS, you hit in college, you hit in MILB, you have HIT potential at the ML level. I'm still refusing to give up on Eeles as a potential ML player, but that's also only part of the discussion here.

From my best recollection, I've NEVER heard a single player leave the Twins organization...at least in the last decade or so...and then lament how they were treated, or used, or abused, etc. Unless someone can produce a SINGLE example of a player blasting the organization for the past several years, this is PURELY trolling because of a dislike of ownership or the manager. Goodness knows there's enough of that to go around! But let's get back to the OP. It's very possible Duran wasn't quite 100% Duran in 2024 with travel interruptions and a ST oblique injury that just never had him QUITE RIGHT. But he was still very good overall in 2024. NOTE: Even the very best relievers have bad games and bad stretches at times. But as the OP points out, Duran was as good as before the last couple of months of the season. So very good was again exceptional later on when he was in a groove and feeling like his old self. So where is there any reason for angst? But even if Duran's very early 99MPH DOESN'T turn in to a CONSISTENT 101 that SOMETIMES hits 104, we're talking SUPER HUMAN vs SUPERMAN velocity. Even IF a 27yo Duran can only MAX OUT to 102 but SIT 99-101, that's still amazing. MAYBE he needs to change sequencing a little bit. MAYBE he needs to just take 2-3MPH off his curveball and splinker to throw off the batters timing a bit. But the debate is whether or not a "healthy" Duran can be very, very good vs SUPERMAN...a bit of hyperbole on my part to be sure...provides greater pen flexibility is it's own hyperbole. There's nothing wrong with the Twins 2 big back of the pen guns. The OP SHOULD have been, IF Stewart's shoulder really is good to go. Reports are he feels better than he has in a while. (I'll tuck that in a large envelope). But his throwing program is a couple weeks behind what is ideal. (Not sure exactly what that means). We HEAR that means not appearing games initially, possibly working on the side, and starting to ramp up later in ST to be ready. And he might be ready. It's also possible he begins the season in extended ST to make sure he's 100% before he takes the mound for the Twins. We'll see what happens as it plays out. The pen is NOT devoid of talent and options, even IF Stewart needs a little more time. But really, the OP shouldn't have been about Duran "being healthy" and being even better than he was in 2024, IMO, it should have been about Stewart and the other arms in the pen.

I only partially disagree with you here. Between his pair of knee injuries and just adding more muscle, Lewis has outgrown SS. But he still has the athleticism and hands to be a fine 3B. His issue is a sudden throwing problem he's developed, which is very odd considering he played 3B in HS until his senior season...another Div 1 scholarship player was blocking him...and the throws from SS and 3B aren't all that different generally. HOWEVER, the objective is to put your BEST players on the field all at the same time, presumably, in the best spots to accentuate the best defensive value of everyone. Down the road...and that could be as early as 2026...if Lee is healthy and right, and Keaschall is ready, MAYBE Julien gets right, and MAYBE Eeles is really the surprise prospect he appears to be, things could change. Lee might move to 3B, Keaschall or Julien or Eeles could take over 2B. Maybe Keaschall or Eeles becomes the next Castro. Maybe Eeles just slides in to 1B. Maybe, with all of that, Lewis just becomes the best 1B option on the team, even though he's just fine at 3B. There's just a lot of moving parts over the course of 2025 in regard to talent settling in, and rising through the system and getting close, that the best alignment TODAY is Lewis at 3B. Especially the way the game is played today, I've NEVER bought in to the argument that your 1B HAS to be some BIG BOPPER who is limited to that spot, or DH. The Angels used to play Erstad in CF and 1B. The Dodgers did the same with Bellinger. What's wrong with having an athletic 1B...which should only help his defense...who can hit, have pop/power and maybe even RUN? I think the old style tropes of positions needs to change in many minds. It wasn't that long ago where CF and SS were glove 1st guys who often lacked a bat. That has changed in a major way the past few years. So maybe Lewis just fits better at 1B in the future or near future. Or maybe he sticks there and Keaschall takes over 1B. So you aren't wrong with your opinion. But I think the INF as of NOW, is best with Lewis at 3B. (The OF is in a similar situation, but that's for a different day).

We disagree somewhat on Lee. But I'm 100% with you on Eeles. IMO, Lee has the defense to handle 2B quite well. If Lee is healthy and shows decently in ST, I feel the job is his. I see him as a 30+ Dbls guy with mid teens HR totals and a solid AVG and OB%. I think 2026 Lee will be better than 2025 Lee. I don't know that he'll ever be a 20HR guy...which would be great if he was...but he doesn't have to have that much power to be a very good player. But can the Twins ignore what Eeles did in 2024? He's only 1yr older than Lee and put up a stat line in roughly half a season of AAA that was pretty damn awesome. I mean, a .919 OPS with 23 XB hits and 20 SB in 260 PA! If Eeles had been a late round pick by the Twins in 2023...his draft eligible season...and had skyrocketed thr same way as he did last year...would he be in camp? I get the "show us you can do it again second time" idea only because it was his first season of pro ball, but how can you ignore that kind of a season when the spot he plays might just be the biggest question mark of your entire roster? He ABSOLUTELY should be in camp as a non roster invite. And he should be playing daily the first few weeks for a long, legitimate look see. Period! If Lee looks good, or Julien suddenly finds himself again, I get it. But to not even give him a good look is ridiculous, IMO.

Said it before and will say it again, the biggest question mark/battle is at 2B. Miranda is the primary 1B, but he'll probably DH once in a while and still 3B occasionally. France has a chance to make it as part of the 1B/DH mix, but he's on a non guaranteed deal for only $1M. That means the Twins had to promise him a 40 man spot to sign, even though his deal isn't guaranteed. But the bench isn't just who backs up 1B. If Castro takes 2B, that opens the door wider for Lee and Julien as bench options. Lee takes over 2B, suddenly Castro is the 10th man bench super sub you want him to be. Now it may just be who has the best ST. I'll be watching 2B more than another other spot during ST.

It's not just you. How 2B gets settled impacts the last couple of roster spots. It can go multiple ways.

Miranda is younger, would seem to have the better overall bat, and has a future with the team whereas France is probably a 1 and done. Also, Miranda, so far, has actually hit RHP better than LHP, which is fine by me. For his career, France is pretty neutral, so there really is no major advantage to either of them in that regard. Miranda should be the primary 1B. Period. France plays there when Miranda gets a day or half day off, or fills in at 3B for a day. Otherwise, France is a DH and possible solid PH due to his neutral splits. I don't think Miranda is affected negatively at all.

I stand corrected. I hadn't remembered Lopez being an All Star.

I'm not in a blackout area here in Nebraska, THANKFULLY. So I haven't had to endure all the ridiculous garbage others have had to endure about Twins broadcasts the past few years. But I still couldn't be more happy about the changes allowing Twins fans finally having decent access to watch games. I'm overjoyed for Twins fans, potential Twins fans, and HOPEFULLY a growth of income for the franchise and new owners going forward as the way we all watch TV/sports continues to change rapidly. But I just can't let go comments about the Twins "skimping" on content for road games, or the Pohlads being responsible for said skimping. If I'm reading your post correctly, despite MLB now being in control of the broadcasts, are you saying the Pohlads are in control of the road broadcasts limiting content to save $? If so, all the more reason to be anxious for new ownership. But it's also my understanding that some teams under the MLB broadcast umbrella don't offer ANY sort of pre or post game offerings. And if I'm correct about that, it would only be fair to state that. I'm excited for the new cameras in the broadcasts. And I'm excited that the Twins will now be available to fans everywhere!

The VERY LAST thing I want to do is set of a potential hijacking of this thread, but over the course of the day I've been contemplating the 40 man, as well as the non roster invites coming to camp, and I find myself somewhat surprised by various position depth. I think it's worth discussing WITHOUT this turning in to some bashing of Rocco or the FO. CATCHER is pretty much set with Jeffers and Vazquez. I'd say Camargo, based on tenure and more recent offensive success, is the #3 currently, with Cartaya as a HOPEFUL bounceback/still developing option. The OF is suddenly 3 starters and Bader. While Castro is also part of the mix, rostered depth is Keirsey, Rodriguez, and Martin, if he's not on the opening day roster. Not necessarily bad depth options, but if an injury happens, things begin to look interesting. Castro remains the PRIMARY backup at 3 INF spots, and I'm OK with that. I'm not down on him as an occasional SS unless it's long term. But then again, it's hard to replace someone like Correa to begin with. But 1 of Lee or Julien...I'm just not certain they see Martin as a starter...needs to claim 2B so Castro can remain the SU guy. But what IF Castro is pressed in to being a starter? Suddenly the depth is pretty thin. And with 2B not settled, maybe that's why they might still be looking to add 1 more option left on the market. What's really surprising is that 1B currently has Miranda, France, Julien, Ford, Gasper, and Severino ALL in the mix to some degree. For the easiest position to find a quality starter to fill a spot, they have the most candidates. That does seem unbalanced to me. Now, I firmly believe the job belongs to Miranda, and the guy behind him is where there's an open spot. And Miranda's ability to play some 3B makes his backup all the more interesting. And this spot also has some DH availability as part of the equation as well. And maybe having a BUNCH of options to roll through and find the best backup option is smart. And Ford and Severino are non roster players at this point. But it does feel to me more attention to 1B alternates might be erasing another INF player option. The ROTATION is set as of now, with the only drama being Festa possibly down in AAA...where he doesn't belong...similar to Ober a couple of years ago. But that turned out OK in a few weeks. Matthews is the #6 guy to begin the season. Raya would be #7 since he's on the 40 man, but if someone gets hurt, you might see Morris or Lewis before him, potentially. The BULLPEN has 9 guys for 8 spots if we accept Funderburk going to St Paul to begin the season. One of Topa, Varland, or Alcala could be optioned to begin the season if everyone...hold your breath...is 100% healthy and ready to roll. It gets "interesting" after that. Funderburk is the only LHRP available other than Coulombe at the moment with Moran and Headrick now gone. Young Nowlin has the potential to be a quality RP, but he hasn't been officially moved to the pen yet, to my knowledge, and barely threw at AAA last season. Adams is still a SP as of now, but is on the 40 man. So is Canterino, the wild card arm we all want to see healthy for once. And then there are various arms like Duarte...who made the club last year before blowing out his elbow, and Blewett, former Twin and Braves SP Ynoa, rising prospect Bischoff, and a few other wild but hard throwing journeymen who all remain unrostered. That's not to say there aren't arms to call up between the 40 man or arms that could be moved to the 40 man. I'm not saying there aren't arms to look at and promote as needed, I'm just examining what's available. You ONLY have 40 on the roster. You can't have 4-5 guys EVERYWHERE protected and with options. I'm just looking over EACH spot on the team and potential depth everywhere. TOTAL invites and options at 1B seem to be an overcorrection in numbers. But i also feel the #1 spot is already settled. It's really the #2 spot that needs to be figured out. The more I look at the WHOLE of the roster, the more i believe that figuring out 2B is the #1 PRIORITY for ST 2025! We need Lee to be healthy and TAKE the job and BE the top prospect he has been, even if his "game" will continue to "rise" over time. (I'm asking for quality before any sort of greatness/very good is achieved). OR, Julien needs to FIND himself again as a hitter and revert back to the guy who went from poor at 2B defensively to at least average in the second half of 2023. THAT helps set the rest of the position player roster. SUDDENLY, we're talking about a stable, primary 9 with Castro doing what he does, and the last couple of spots TBD are the "battle" to finish off the 13 man position player roster. I'll be watching EVERYONE of course, but 2B, maybe surprisingly, is the KEY spot to be figured out in ST.

In fact, the Twins attempted to trade for Castellano BEFORE the rule 5 draft. What was discussed is not known, but the Phillies said no. The Twins then went ahead and drafted him in the rule 5 so they can take a look at him in ST. The Phillies now have a full 40 man roster. And remember THEY could have added Castellano to their 40 man but didn't, and exposed him to the rule 5, for whatever reason. The Twins now get all of ST to evaluate him and make a decision. IF they really like him, they can stash him, OR, they can make another offer to Philadelphia for him and then option him.