DocBauer

Lewis has the best chance, IMO. No pressure, and no offense to anyone else on the team, but I'll actually be disappointed if he's not selected in 2025. He's due for a full season. And we've seen the potential he's got. Put health and ability together and you've got a good shot at an All Star selection. Jax should have been there last year. But it's hard unless you put up big save numbers at times. Ryan is a deserving mention. But so are Ober and Lopez. I can see any of those 3 being potentially selected, and I'm not sure I can accurately predict one over the others. Yes to Jeffers if he can ride a more road and not one with all the peaks and valleys. Especially if he's catching about 60% of the games. He's one of the best offensive catchers in the game. A good, and steady, first half might see him selected. I'm going to say no on Wallner since I just think there's going to be too much competition to fill the OF for the game, and he's just not as well known to make it past other more established players. Now, 2026 could be a different story.

The OF is pretty easy: Larnach, Buxton, Wallner, Bader. The LEFT SIDE of the INF is set with Lewis and Correa. A healthy Miranda is a good bat, and part of the now and the future. There is no reason he's not the #1 1B unless the Twins pull off a surprise trade. So that's THREE spots set. If Lee is healthy and has a good ST, he opens at 2B. He's the best overall option offensively and defensively and I believe that's who the Twins want there as well. So I'm going to say he IS healthy and has a good spring. Castro is the Super Utility 10th man. Jeffers and Vazquez are the CATCHERS and I don't see anything changing that at this point. That's 11 spots that I feel comfortable writing in ink at this time. It's truly the last 2 spots, IMO, where there is a "battle" to be had. I think France has a decent shot of sticking as the backup 1B and work in at DH simply because he's in the "done it before and I have some power" whereas Gasper hasn't much power, and very little actual ML experience. I can see different scenarios where BOTH open with the team, but I doubt it. I'm going with France on a rebound season at 30yo. That leaves 1 spot. Has Martin improved as a hitter and at ANY position(s) defensively? If so, they wouldn't mind having his speed and another multi-position player on board. I think the Twins WANT Julien and his LH bat to be fixed and on the roster as a DH/2B/backup 1B. But is he out of his own head? Does a break in the action and then some hard work in the offseason lead to success? Or does he need to spend some time in St Paul to get right? I think it's 1 of these 2 to finish things off. But there are scenarios where BOTH should start at AAA. That's where a 3rd 1B/DH can take one of those last spots. I'm not ready to pick anyone with confidence at this point for that 13th spot. The ROTATION is only dramatic if someone is hurt, or Festa outpitches SWR enough in a surprise swap of roles for opening day. The BULLPEN is largely set if everyone is healthy. Duran, Jax, Stewart, Sands, Coulombe are 5 locks. I'm saying Tonkin makes it to give the pen a rubber/2 IP middle man. That's 6. The last 2 come down to Varland, Topa, and Alcala. Well...what are the odds all 9 of these guys are 100% healthy to begin the year? So 9 will become 8 organically. I just don't believe Castellano is going to be in the pen. He's either talented enough and loved enough by the FO that they'll make a deal with the Phillies they won't turn down, or, he's not worth what it would take to make the Phillies happy and he'll be sent back. A team looking to contend...with the largest collection of young arms they've had in decades in their system...doesn't need to mess with a AA pitcher being stashed in their pen for an entire season.

I guess this answers my question on him. I've been wondering is he more Keaschall as a prospect or more of a Schobel type of prospect.

The issue isn't France on a 1yr $1M deal. And the issue isn't bringing in a depth piece or two to fill a temporary hole on the roster. The problem is a cumulative affect of too many of these types of players over multiple years. AND how some of those players are used. I don't include Coulombe as a floor setter. Unless the Twins had $8-12M or so to spend/risk on a top ranked LHRP on the market, there were about 3 quality guys available who could perform well as a 7th inning, maybe 8th, and were affordable. Coulombe was one of them. Bader as a replacement for Margot is just fine. Better defense, more speed, and about equal as a hitter. No worries. But will he be used as a 4th OF role player, or like Margot does he end up with 400+ PA providing a mediocre to poor bat in the daily lineup. France as a low risk, cheap, backup 1B option behind Miranda is fine as well. If he can find his old self...or early 2024 self from reports...he adds a decent bat off the bench and some time at DH. Again, none of these are bad moves unto themselves. But how in the world do the Twins not have a PRIMARY 1B for years on end? Maybe Miranda should have been moved earlier and would be settled in now and we wouldn't be stressing over France because we'd know he was just a bench players. Or maybe we'd feel better about Julien as a backup because we already had a clear #1. MAYBE Keirsey and Helman should have been up sooner so we could see IF they had what it takes to replace a Margot type of poor performer. IF they had, suddenly Bader isn't necessary and his $ might be spent differently. While Bader and France aren't expensive, could they and the $7.5M being paid to Paddack have been combined to add ONE bat that could make a difference, or had a chance to make a difference? And that's where these floor setting signings are questionable. Does Goldschmidt have one more good year left? Or is he over the hill? Well, he finished the 2nd half of 2024 strong. So maybe you take the "risk" he's got another good year left, use Miranda in a multi-purpose role, roll through all of your OF for the best CF backup option, and give someone like Goldschmidt a chance to make a difference. He might not. He might tank. But we already know a Bader and France definitely aren't going to raise the ceiling for the team. Yes, I understand the FO had the rug pulled out from them in 2023 and 2024, though to a somewhat lesser degree. And I don't absolve them for some poor choices, or sticking with poor choices too long. But the past 2 offseasons there wasn't a Correa, Donaldson, Cruz, Gonzalez type signing available to raise the bar of the team. Perhaps that begins to change for 2026 with new owners that will free the purse strings enough to allow greater flexibility. Once again, there's nothing wrong with the guys signed this year on a dime store budget. They might even help. If they DON'T perform well, then it's a mistake on the FO for sticking with them and not giving the guys in the system an opportunity to prove themselves, similar to last season.

I don't like this move. But I also don't hate this move. This is only a bad move if France is given preference over Miranda as the primary 1B. If he's a backup 1B and does some DH. He's not part of the future, and Miranda might be. SOMEONE has to backup 1B and right now it's see if Julien can do it...maybe he can, I sure hope so...or use Castro as has been suggested in a different OP. I think I even made a brief comment the other day I'd rather have France and at least SOME upside potential at 30yo rather than Rizzo or Turner. So I guess blame me if you don't like this signing. LOL To me he's an inexpensive depth flier for a $1M that shouldn't hold anyone back or block anyone. He's a backup to Miranda who might DH a little, and that's it. I'm more upset about losing Hendrick for nothing.

Right!? He's got the athleticism to play almost anywhere. He's got experience at SS. but little at 3B. Can his arm allow him to play SOME at 3B and SS in the future? That would allow him to be a potentially better version of Castro going forward. And a healthy arm makes him that much better in the OF as well as 2B/1B. It only increases his versatility. But I'm fine if he's a 2B/1B who can also play CF/LF.

It's my understanding injury issues derailed his career. I have to believe he's looked at as a RP option at this point considering the depth of SP option at St Paul currently. If Hendricks is moved to the pen, we're looking at Mathews, Morris, Raya, Lewis, Adams and maybe Nowlin...if also not moved to the pen...as options.

While I don't share your optimism, I can see where a 25yo in his 2nd season of AAA ball MIGHT take a step forward. Obviously, he plays a position where he could contribute IF he makes that step.

Here's a couple of truths that a history of MLB numbers indicate are pretty much indefutable, 1] There is a proven metric that i can't recall the name of exactly. It's something like "PH bias" or "PH adjustment" where it's been proven a hitter coming off the bench...despite player reports and I-Pads in the dugouts...that statistically states ANY batter coming in to PH has to have something like 50 points plus immediately removed from their "normal" AVG and OB% ability coming in to the game cold in that moment. That DOESN'T MEAN there aren't times to PH. It means the law of averages are generally against the PH in question. But said might still be the best option in certain circumstances. 2] History also shows, in very real numbers, that LH batters, generally, perform at a lower level against LHP. It's an undeniable FACT based on the history of MLB who counts numbers like a kid counts change in a coin jar. HOWEVER, there is a BIG DIFFERENCE in a LH batter ONLY producing an OPS of say .680 against LHP vs a mediocre RH batter who is a relatively average producer to begin with, much less PH with the aforementioned history of PH losing so much AVG and OPS in that role. In other words, PH in the 5th inning in a big situation might seem like a good idea...and it can be at times...but it can restrict the opportunities the rest of the game. PLATOONING here are there is SMART BASEBALL. It's been going on since the game was invented. And it should be embraced. But there's a difference from platooning a single spot or two in your lineup to making it a MANTRA that you build your roster around! ESPECIALLY since 75% of ALL pitchers are not only RH, but many teams don't have but ONE good LHRP, much less TWO. I have ZERO problem with Rocco putting Bader in the lineup to start a game against a LHP. One of Larnach or Wallner sits, and is available as a weapon later in the game in the 5th or 6th inning to come in. They might not PH successfully, but they're ready for the next opportunity. But the idea of a mediocre RH hitter actually starting a bulk of games really depresses me. Bader should be a Buxton fill in, a PR, a late game defensive replacement, and an occasional start against a LHSP. PERIOD! Again, MOST LH hitters have issues against LHP. But there's a HUGE difference from a low or sub .600 OPS vs a .670-.680 or better OPS. But how in hell do you know if your LH hitters can be "decent" against LHP unless you give them the OPPORTUNITY to do so? I'm HOPING Rocco understands he has an expensive ROLE PLAYER in Bader...no slight intended...who shouldn't play every day and shouldn't be used AS a role player for defense, speed, and as an occasional starter against LHP. If he's seen and used more than that, then we have a serious issue in how the team is constructed and how the players are being used.

I don't have a problem with a deep lineup and a rotation at DH, in general, unless you have a SPECIAL BAT like Cruz was for us. Heck, even Molitor in his time with the Twins was pretty special in his own way. IF top prospects turn out remotely as expected, by 2026, if not at some point in 2025, Rodriguez and Keaschall will be ready, and Jenkins not far behind. While trades may happen, there will be enough talent depth on the roster to allow for a semi-permanent DH of someone like Larnach, or Miranda, or a combination, where they can also play in the field as well. Problem is we aren't there YET. And I still want the 2025 Twins lineup/offense/depth to be the best it can be, even with $ limitations. I DON'T want a mediocre FA veteran to be an important part of the lineup/depth. Which is why IF the FO can make ONE "serious" move to finalize the roster, I'd love a trade that doesn't hurt too much to add someone to the 1B/DH mix. It's the one spot left to make at least some difference.

I don't disagree with you on this tactic. I don't know HOW good Lee is going to be, but I have a lot of confidence he's going to be a fine ML 2B with the glove and bat. Keaschall could be the next Castro, more or less, and potentially an even better offensive performer. It's also possible he takes over 1B. He's big enough and athletic enough to thrive there, even though he's not a traditional slugger. And I'm fine with that. MLB has really changed in how positions are "set up" by teams. And I'm a prospect FIRST believer in general. I think you make a BIG MOVE once in a while as a mid market team for a difference maker. And I believe FA role players are to fill a hole or two here and there, but not a way to construct a contending roster.

I liked your post and generally agree. I don't think Miranda's bat is the same as Casas. I don't think he'll match him on power. But I can see Miranda as as good of a hitter by AVG, maybe better, with a similar OB%, and maybe more doubles but more mid to upper teens HR power. And I'm OK with that. Miranda doesn't have to be the same hitter to be good. Another option at 1B to deepen the lineup, thus also deepening the bench, would be nice though.

I appreciate your feelings. I don't want to trade Morris/Raya plus a teen or early 20's prospect and Paddack either. Maybe they'd go for Lewis/Culpepper...who I also like quite a bit...and another prospect plus Paddack. Maybe that gets it done? When I propose a trade, I try to look at it from the other team's perspective, and if it hurts a little it might just be fair and get the job done. I also think Ruiz should/could be a target as well. But he's more expensive $ and is 33yo. But I like him better overall. In Mountcastle you get a younger, less expensive player, decent bat, and young enough where a change of scenery might unlock his power back to being a 20HR guy. Again, I like both guys and they might be the Twins best opportunity to add a bat, make 1B stronger, and also make the bench stronger where Miranda can STILL share part of 1B, play a little 3B, and DH. I'd much rather focus on BAT/1B than add another mediocre, veteran FA utility INF.

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Shouldn't the headline for this OP have a question mark attached the end of it? Kid was league MVP in 2023 A+ ball at only 20yo. He dropped in 2024 at AA, but it's not only his initial introduction to AA, but he got hurt and never got a chance to really improve and finish strong. Note: his AFL performance actually showed improvement from his '23 appearance there. So at 22yo in AA to begin again after so much time missed his career is in balance? I don't disagree with issues brought up in the OP, I just think it's more a question of "is 2025 a make or break season for him"?

I guess I can kinda understand Eeles going to MILB camp as it's his very first pro camp, and they can still play him in games. But he's not a teenager. I would have brought him in to camp and played him every single day for the first 2-3 weeks to see what I might have. I also would have done the same with McCusker. I think there's a better chance these 2 help the Twins in 2025 than a couple 30yo veterans brought in.

Rizzo ia cooked. Turner is 40yo and on a downward trend. Would he really cost $5-7M at this point? I mean, ST starts in a few days and he's still looking for work. I'd be OK as a veteran DH/PH/1B share for around $3M, maybe some incentives thrown in, but no way would I do $5-7M for a part time 40yo. Paddack is set to earn $7.5M this season and reports are he can be moved, there is interest, but Falvey wants a decent/better return on him. Well, last I knew, the Orioles had too many bats and not enough positions, still needed some pitching help, and might have a decent 1B available who makes about the same salary as Paddack in 2025. (A little less actually I believe). However, while Mountcastle is a solid player, family young still, and has some upside, he's also on a 3 year downturn in production. So I don't know that his cost to acquire would be great. Paddack and 1 of Morris/Raya and a 3rd top 20 prospect would be fair IMO. Now, there's similar scenarios where the Twins call Tampa for Diaz and his team option for 2026, and Paddack is simply offloaded for whatever you can get to make the payroll work. Point is, there are some options to add a 1B while moving Paddack, but it involves trusting your young arms. But Iike a "creative" plan like this instead of an aging, end of career FA. (I keep repeating myself and getting bored with myself-lol)

I believe the actual comment from Rocco was something to the affect of "we're thinking of using Castro some at 1B". That's like using him some at SS. He never said he would be a full time starter candidate at 1B. But as of today, that makes him MORE useful and important. Unfortunately there are still injury questions to be answered. That KEEPS him relevant and important, not less. He had a .750 OPS in 2023 and was right around that same mark mid 2024 before he hurt his back. Yes, he may have been over used and worn out, but he also hurt his back. His ability to cover all those positions well to adequately, and produce a .750 OPS with some speed and some health concerns at other spots,,,as well as a 4th OF that doesn't hit...makes Castro very valuable. I dare suggest that another potential INF signing only frees up Castro for other spots besides SS. (If they even do it). 1B is still a bigger need/question mark, IMO. Castro shouldn't be going anywhere. And the very fact they are considering even MORE for him to do says they aren't planning on moving him.

Completely disagree. His first draft in 2022 turned out HORRIBLE. Not sure there's any other way to paint it. Bad luck with injuries and a couple questionable picks gave the Vikes a backup RB and a good ST LB and that's all it appears. Just terrible! Nailor, if he continues to be healthy, might be the saving grace of this draft class. But getting Addison, Blackmon and a decent ST and decent reserve DB in Ward, along with a couple good rookie FA wasn't a bad 2023. But 2024 appears to be a potential windfall for Kwesi. They drafted the QB of the future that I have a lot of faith in. They got a very young stud LB with a bright future. The tragic death of CB Jackson, and all his potential, is not on Kwesi. A stud K and a pair of late round OL that show real potential, and the potential of LDR makes this a very good draft. They also added, again, a couple really good looking RFA that might be a part of the team for the next few years. And his FA signings for 2024 were absolutely all positives. After the poor 2022 draft and making decisions like drafting young QB Hall, who showed improvement, and then cutting him for a lackluster journeyman, and a couple other moves I won't get in to, had me really doubting Kwesi. But his drafts have gotten better. His RFA signings have been surprisingly good. Has he been listening to his scouts more? Or did he just have bad luck out of the gate? His FA signings for 2024 were all perfect. Did ANYONE really expect Darnold to excel the way he did?? 2025, with tons of $ to spend and a limited draft might just define how good of a GM he really is. Is there a scenario where we can franchise Darnold and move him for a couple of picks? Sure seems like a few teams would gladly give up a 2nd and 3rd rounder for him vs a poor QB draft class. That could be HUGE. Again, I've thought the competitive rebuild was a 2yr process. But with a TON of FA $ to spend, and the POTENTIAL to add a couple picks with a franchise and trade of Darnold, it's possible to keep and add to this roster for 2025 and the future. But I've seen enough from Kwesi the last season and a half to believe he's figuring it out to be building something pretty damn good.

Here's MY take as of today, sorry to repeat what I've stated in another post. The Pohlad's, Joe i guess, have allowed extra $ for the FO to spend, something I conjectured MIGHT happen weeks ago. It's either a good will gesture, or a simple understanding they stop writing checks by midseason anyway, or some combination. 1] Miranda is the primary 1B as of TODAY. His bat plays at 1B if he's healthy. A bad back supposedly held him back the 2nd half of 2024. He worked hard to go from a mediocre/below average 3B to an acceptable/average 3B. Experience and additional hard work should, IMO, allow him to be an acceptable/average 1B. (I mean, the Twins had Arraez at 1B a couple years ago on the fly). 2] Reports are the Twins could move Paddack if wanted/needed, but Falvey doesn't just want to unload his contract, he's looking for return value. But it's an important note to consider. 3] The Twins are a better team in 2025 if they can SET 1B and have Miranda as a part time 1B...still growing in to the spot...while being able to DH and fill in at 3B. The Orioles have the bats to replace Mountcastle, and need arms. Mountcastle is a solid 1B that's not expensive, and has upside, but is on a 3yr downturn in production, LF wall excuse or not. The Twins trade Paddack and Morris/Raya and maybe a 3rd arm such as LH Macleod, for example, to get a "not exactly on an upswing" but solid Mountcastle. They get an immediate arm, a soon to be ready arm, and a 3rd not quite ready arm. Neither side gives up TOO MUCH, but both sides get what they need. But let's move on from the OP for a moment and extend the Twins options. Diaz is older than Mountcastle, and while he has a $16M team option, he's going to cost around $12-13M for 2025. Diaz is getting too expensive for the Rays, and they want prospects for him. But in reality, he's still on the final year of his deal. So the Twins offer up a couple solid prospects, ONE top 10 arm like Morris or Raya, and another top 20-ish like Culpepper and Mercedes for example. Maybe the Rays want a 20-ish arm instead of an OF, whatever. The Twins then move Paddack's $7.5M for WHATEVER they can get back in what is primarily a salary dump to appease the Pohlad's and the future owners. At most, Diaz is another $5-6M after Paddack is moved. In EITHER scenario, the total payroll for 2025 is less than $150M. The Pohlads are only responsible for a portion of the season's worth of checks written, new owners are handed a better overall product, a remaining payroll not out of bounds, the SYSTEM and the immediate roster aren't damaged, and the TEAM suddenly gets better and deeper. Mountcastle and Diaz are both solid 1B. Mountcastle is younger, cheaper, and offers upside some upside/rebound. Diaz is not overly expensive in 2026 if his option is picked up. But he can also be let go if the new owners want to move in a different direction. SUDDENLY, a potentially weak bench constitutes Castro, Bader, Vazquez, and Miranda with ONE spot open TBD. That's what I call BEING CREATIVE. Beats the hell out of adding another journeyman veteran fill in player for a team with talent and aspirations of competing.

The reality is Miranda is the 1B TODAY. And I believe he could be "acceptable" at the position, maybe average with time and work. His bat plays there if he doesn't have more back issues that robbed him of his ability to hit in the second half. Unless the Twins bring someone else in...and I'm just waiting to see Canha brought it for $2M any day now...SOMEONE has to back up Miranda. I believe Rocco's comment was they were considering Castro "getting some time at 1B". I don't believe it's ever been stated they saw him BEING the 1B. Vazquez can be the emergency, 3rd string 1B. But who's the backup if they make an in game move or Miranda needs a day off? That's where I can see Castro being a backup at the position if no other moves are made. So with that in mind, OK, let him add 1B here and there to his positional flexibility. Or maybe HE can be the #3 emergency guy there IF they bring someone else in. IF there's any real steam to the Twins bringing in another INF to help backup SS...potentially 2B/3B presumably...that frees up Castro to add backup 1B duties without really shortening the bench options. So again, why not? I absolutely believe SOMEONE is going to still be added. It's probably said backup veteran INF, OR, a 1B option like Canha, who I'm not crazy about, who can kinda/sorta play some OF as well. Personally, I'd almost rather bring in Ty France at still only 30yo and hope a change of scenery and a new group of hitting instructors will help him rebound to being closer to the player he was as recently as 2022. At least there'd be some upside, and he already has more power than Canha. There's been "talk" for a few weeks now that the Twins could unload Paddack and his contract to free up $. Falvey doesn't want to just unload him though, he's looking for some sort of value in return. IMO, that there is interest in Paddack is important. Again, IMO, the Twins should be talking to the Orioles and Rays about Mountcastle and Diaz. The Orioles need arms, and the Rays need prospects. Mountcastle is on a downward trend offensively, but has bounceback potential and is the less expensive of the 2 options. Maybe Paddack in a close neutral $ trade, with 1 of Morris/Raya, and a 3rd prospect to the Orioles for Mountcastle. They get an immediate rotation arm...have the bats to replace Mountcastle on hand..and get an arm ready in the next couple of months, and a 3rd prospect. Diaz is on a 1yr deal for around $12-13M, with a team option of $16M for 2026. So essentially, he's getting expensive for the Rays and is only locked in for 1yr. Doubtful they want Paddack, but they'd be interested in prospects to move Diaz. Paddack could then be moved only for $ relief to keep the payroll down, in theory, regardless of any decent return. Either way, the Pohlad's quit paying for anything by midseason at least. But Paddack's removal in either scenario pays for Mountcastle, or at least $7.5M of Diaz's 2025 number. I'd call this being "creative". Suddenly the bench is Castro, Vazquez, Bader, and Miranda and ONE spot left TBD. That looks a hell of a lot better than how things sit today. Castro being used here and there as a 1B option depending on in game moves doesn't bother me. But him being a 3rd, emergency type of depth option makes a whole lot more sense. I'm just worried the FO can't or won't pull the trigger for the ONE more move that could really set up the roster better than it is today, and we'll end up with some journeyman veteran as the last add.

Or, since the team is on a "spending spree", make a trade for Mountcastle or Diaz and let Miranda still play some 1B...growing in to the position and providing depth...as well as DH and some 3B. I mean, the Pohlad's won't be writing payroll checks by mid season at the latest. Paddack might be part of such a deal, or he might be moved to clear payroll if necessary. But why stop now with such an obvious need on the team?

A quick rewind for those who haven't looked closely at Eeles' career thus far: He played his first 4 years at a smaller school, division 2 i want to say, and absolutely RAKED. He spent his 5th season at division 1 Coastal Carolina, which is pretty well regarded school that even won the CWS a few years ago. For arguement sake, his one year at division 1 CC were as follows: .374/ .500/ .492/ .992 with 42SB out of 48 chances and 74 R and 43 RBI. He also had 17 Dbls and 4 HR. He played all over in college, including SS, but was primarily a SS. Normally, with that kind of production you'd think he'd be drafted. But he was 23yo his senior season and still remains about 5' 5", though with a sturdy 180-190lb frame with speed and quickness. So age and height probably kept him from being drafted. I am NOT comparing him to Keaschall, more power and 3 years younger, but Keaschall reached AA in his 2nd season, and 1st FULL season. But what if Eeles had been a late round pick 2 or 3 years ago and reached AAA and produced his amazing numbers as a 24yo in 2024? (He didn't turn 25yo until after the season in November). Would his prospect status be different if he was drafted in 2022 instead of being a signing from the Independent Leagues? I guess my point is, you shouldn't short change a prospect when they produce, regardless where they came from. An obvious and legitimate arguement is "do it again to prove yourself" as he began in low A ball, spent a little time in high A ball, skipped AA entirely, and then jumped to AAA. So, obviously, pitchers only saw him ONCE in A ball. Except, he only played 47 games at A ball and 64 games at AAA. So the idea of "exposure" to same pitching loses a bit of punch. A .919 OPS at AAA is pretty damn impressive even if you allow it to be a hitters league. If you allow a .150 point drop at the ML level, he'd still be a .769 OPS, POTENTIALLY. Any way you want to slice it, he was damn impressive in 2024! Reports are he worked especially hard at St Paul on his defense, even though he moved around some. And even as a hopeful fan of him and his story, I agree with the "show us again" idea to prove it wasn't just a 1yr lighting in a bottle performance. But regardless of how he got here, you'd have to be blind as a FO/Team if you don't take what he did in 2024 seriously. First round picks never make it, and late round picks surprise. Who cares if he followed a different path to get where he is right now? He should get a serious look-see in ST for the FO, Rocco, and the coaches to get a long look. He'd be a rookie FA if he were a Vikings player. Sometimes those players turn out to be pretty good. I absolutely don't expect him to break camp with the Twins, no matter what he does. But if he produces at St Paul as well in 2025, maybe slightly less, maybe slightly better, the Twins better pay attention. Once in a while, lightening DOES strike to your benefit. In a somewhat similar vein, that happened with Castro in 2023. DON'T ignore a strike when it happens.

I just want to say I generally agree on Keirsey, as well as the now departed Helman. Some guys make it, and some guys don't. My frustration is not that Keirsey and Helman would be great or even really good players. My frustration is that development is not linear. Sometimes guys fight injuries early on, or just take longer to "figure it out". The lost covid season didn't help a lot of those players to be sure. But when you draft players, and keep them, and then they suddenly start to figure it out and "shine", but you continue to play a Margot daily who simply looks "cooked" instead of cutting bait and take an honest look at what you MIGHT have in the system as a decent role player, THAT'S where my frustration comes in. It's entirely possible that the Twins see holes in swings and approach we just don't see. It's possible some of the positive reports we hear about are clouded by coaches who see these players every day and see something different. I don't know. I don't have an answer. But one of my few beefs against the FO is holding on to a poor veteran too long for what I can only describe as "depth paranoia" instead of giving a player, even an older one, a chance to see if they MIGHT be serviceable. IMO, Margot is a prime example where they should have just moved on and taken an honest look at someone like Keirsey. I'm just an amateur GM at best, but this remains an issue I have with the FO. Once in a while, when the older veteran stinks, it's time to look internally and just SEE if you have something or not. And that's not about Bader in itself.

Interesting that you named Keaschall in the post because when Culpepper was initially drafted I had "deja vu all over again". When Keaschall was picked, I said to myself, "didn't they draft almost the same player last year in Schobell?" (Plus they tripled down somewhat with Riss and Shuffield) And then I said when they grabbed Culpepper it was "didn't they just draft Keaschall last year"? Lol I have to remind myself from time to time that every draft is unique unto itself. Full confession now, when I first heard the Twins were interested in Culpepper I wasn't thrilled. I didn't see the upside at first from early scouting reports. I KNOW you DON'T necessarily draft for need, but there were a couple guys I really liked that made sense to me on a need basis. And then I really wanted a HS SS with the supplemental pick, if not the 1st. I wanted a young SS to groom as a possible Correa replacement in a few years. As the draft approached and happened, I had a better appreciation for Culpepper. If I understand/remember correctly he was playing 3B as K State already had an established SS in place. Therefore, he finally got to play SS in 2024. It sure sounds like he's got the athleticism and arm to stick at SS. It looks like the basic bat to ball ability is there to be a solid hitter with XB POP if not real HR power. I'm guessing, as of today, he projects to 12-15 HR with consistent 30+ Dbls power and the ability to steal double digit bases. Also sounds like he's strong enough, and fast enough to project POTENTIALLY more HR power and MAYBE 20 SB ability. ASSUMING the early results of his bat and his college experience puts him on a fast trajectory, he MIGHT be ready for ML duty before Correa is ready to move off of SS. Cart before the horse I know! I know "logjams" seldom actually occur in MLB, but it's possible the Twins have Lewis, Correa, Lee, Keaschall and Culpepper all at or ready for ML time in 2yrs. And that's not even including Miranda, Julien, and Eeles getting right or improving. But it sure would be a nice dilemma to have! Really appreciate the write ups! Keep the good work coming!