DocBauer

OLIVAR: I wish I could be a little more excited about him. I'm intrigued, but not excited. Can he actually play catcher and call a good game? He sure can't throw. And I don't think there's enough power for LF or DH, not that power is everything. If you talk just HIT ability, bat to ball, good contact and good eye, he's one of the best hitting prospects in the system. BELTRE: Agreed it's really hard to quantify such young players in a league of such young players. Still, when you're 17yo playing against other 16-19yo's and do that well in so many categories, it sure makes him look exciting. DeANDRADE: To me the biggest question is the glove. He'll still be 20yo at the begining of 2025 at what will probably be A+ to begin the season. Just a shame he missed so much time this year. Despite his youth, he's shown flashes of pop, speed, OB and hit ability. He doesn't have to be a GG at SS, just good. I think the bat looks like it will play. SCHOBEL: I wouldn't have him in the top 20 at this point, but the Twins know him better than we do. He's got some speed and enough defense to be a viable SUPER UTILITY player in the future. But his bat hit the AA wall HARD upon arrival. He figures AA out in 2025, he's worth this spot. If not, he probably drops out if the top 30. MERCEDES: I think he's one of the most exciting prospects in the system and looks like he might build on the tremendous promise he showed in the DSL when signed. Looks like an actual 5 tool talent. If the Twins look to add other pieces to the 2025 roster via prospect trades, I can see a lot of teams asking about him.

Eeles is probably the best story here. The fact he performed so well, for the entire season, at 3 levels, and shows not only a good eye but the valuable bat to ball skill seems to indicate he might be a legitimate prospect. I can understand him being outside the top 20 at this time though. Were I in charge. I'd bring him to ST as a non roster invite to get a better look at him. Wouldn't it be something if McCusker could make enough contact to be a real asset? I want to see a little more sustained production at AAA, and at least a little better contact before I'm willing to have real hope. ML pitchers are just so good I can see him being exploited with his strike zone and fairly high K rate. But he absolutely should be on this list. I don't know what else there is to say about Keirsey many of us haven't said before already. He was a #4 pick by this very FO, struggled a little early, then missed 2020, and has been putting up very good numbers each of the past 3 years. But for unknown and frustrating reasons, he's been constantly passed over for the Margot's of the world. Why? Because he's a LH batter? That's a good thing! Unless he's just bad at the plate, I believe he's the #2 CF in 2025, plays some corner OF to rest guys or be a late defensive sub, and a PR. I wasn't crazy about Amick as a possible #1 selection in the last draft, but like his potential where he was picked. I've seen very little of his play at 3B, but I've read he's worked hard to be decent there. I can't help but think his road to MLB might be at 1B, where the Twins really have no-one at this point in the system. While he's known as a free swinger, the fact that he's still hit for a good AVG and has maintained a pretty good OB% tells me the ability is there to reign in that nature some. He does that, with his power, he could be a hot prospect in no time. MLB in 2026? I don't know that I believe in Canterino any longer, but I do have some remaining hope. I had thought he had a small shoulder procedure this past season, so glad to hear it wasn't that serious. And definitely a positive his elbow was OK following TJ. At this stage and age, and so many injuries and setbacks...not to mention system depth...I think it's obvious he needs a move to the pen permanently. With his elbow fixed and his shoulder rested/rehabbed, is there any chance his body FINALLY cooperates? He could be really nice depth later in the season. Doncon had a nice season coming over from the Dodgers. Something good might still come out of that trade. Betting J Rodriguez has a similar 2nd stateside season similar to Mercedes, who really took off in 2024.

No new blood, but new roles. Change for the sake of change doesn't do much. But with all due respect to past work and accomplishments, DSP has seen the world move quickly by him the last few seasons. Falvey more completely in charge is a good thing. And he's got a new #2 officially in place in Zoll who's a bit of a man behind the curtain mystery, but whom nuggets of positivity have been dropped at different times. This seems like a positive change.

I'm not a Godfather fan, but I'm struck with the line from movie #3 with the quote, "they suck me back in". The warning sign was "trade" and I kinda skipped over that part just to read the article and see some amazing hilights. And then I read the rest and saw a trade proposal ideas and just shook my head. Matthew, I generally love your posts. But this is absolutely cannon fodder. No insult to Perkins, but with the OF depth the Brewers are working with, potentially, he's closer to a DFA or a trade for a lower level prospect than he is a trade for Ryan or Ober! While the Twins have been drastically negligent, IMO, for delaying opportunity for a #4 drafted prospect in Keirsey, that the current FO drafted, for a ML opportunity, he's a year younger than Perkins, and has a better MILB quad slash line as a hitter. Why in hell wouldn't the Twins FINALLY, let Keirsey prove himself next season on a limited payroll team as a backup option with good defense, speed, and some pop potential? He's a year younger than Perkins, and has better MILB numbers. The ONLY thing he has above Keirsey is opportunity. And that's a FO mistake. With a limited budget, you want to add a CF option that's probably close to the defensive value of a MILB player already on hand with a better MILB offensive track record already on hand? I guess you just needed to get paid for making an OP that people responded to. And I'm sorry to be that direct as its not my nature. But this just makes ZERO sense.

I believe I read the other day that Williams elected to become a MILB FA. He's reportedly worked very hard to become a solid catcher, and I've heard reports in the past that he's a very smart guy behind the plate. I wouldn't mind seeing him come back if he doesn't like other opportunities presented to him elsewhere. I've heard Winkel is a solid backstop, but his CS % is in the teens for his career so far. And after showing some progression with the bat at AA in 2023, he took a major downturn at AAA in 2024. Cossetti had everyone on notice with his bat and power when drafted. It was said his defense and game calling needed work, which is part of the reason he went to the AFL after the 2023 season. But the arm might play as he was around 27% CS in 2023. But that dropped to 17% in 2024, and the bat suddenly disappeared when he hit AA. Cardenas also saw his bat disappear at AA in 2024 after a very promising 2023. He's reportedly a pretty decent athlete with a good eye, some power potential, solid behind the plate, and has thrown out 28% of base stealing threats in his pro career. But the bottoming out with the bat in 2024 is a worry. The Twins haven't just IGNORED catching as a position. They just haven't drafted very high since Jeffers, seemingly looking for development guys. As of today, Camargo is still #3. Personally, based on his 2022 and 2023, I remain disappointed the Twins didn't put him behind the plate more in his brief 2024 time with the club. I won't just dismiss Winkel after 1 bad year at AAA, but catching is thin at St Paul if he doesn't rebound. Based on 2023, I was quite encouraged by the performance of the catchers in the system. Cossetti needed work behind the plate, but showed a decent arm and real offensive potential. And Cardenas might have been the best, most complete catcher in the system. Were they just not ready for AA yet? Did they just BOTH have bad years? They remain the best prospects behind Camargo...who I still like...but they both need big rebound seasons in 2025. In the 2024 draft the Twins selected Khadim Diaw in the 3rd round. Highest since Jeffers. He's raw behind the plate and has as much time or more in the OF. But they see a ML catcher there. Personally, I still believe catchers are developed more than they are drafted. There's only so many Mauer's out there in the first couple of rounds you can draft and plug and play. They also drafted an OF by the name of Jaime Ferrer right after who was a highly regarded catcher in HS, from what has been reported. I recall a family member or friend joining TD right after the draft who stated he moved to the OF in college due to his bat and athleticism, but stated he was an excellent HS backstop. That makes me wonder if the Twins might try him out there or move him there. Some guys are meant to be catchers and some aren't. I just wonder if he might be worth looking at there. I know this OP is about Olivar and his worth as a potential catcher and 40 man add. But the overall depth of catchers in the system has been brought up, so I've sort of hijacked the thread a bit as a result. As of TODAY, 2024 was a downturn disappointment across the MILB system in regards to Twins catching prospects. Camargo remains #3 on the list for many good qualities, but is completely umproven at the ML level. Behind him, Cossetti and Cardenas have the bat, arm, and defensive potential to be legitimate prospects. But both have to make serious rebounds in 2024 to re-establish themselves.

The OP states he's improved as a backstop in regard to game calling and receiving. Not saying that might not be true, but I haven't heard anything that he actually has, nor to what degree. I don't know if his arm is actually weak or not, but I do know he's only caught basestealers 13% of the time the past two seasons. He's not a big guy, but I'm betting his listed weight of 176lbs is out of date, as most MILB players have pitching of date measurables. While he does play LF, he's mostly played catcher, so that may be a positive sign of progression. He's a 23yo bat with OB skills and seemingly solid contact ability with some power. And he'll be 23 most all of 2025. Bat to ball skills and OB ability are some very good tools to work with. But so far, he hasn't shown enough power to be a consistent LF producer...not that power is everything...and he doesn't have enough polish, I'm guessing, not a SB% ability to suggest someone could sneak him on a roster for an entire season and find use for him jumping straight from A+ with only 19 games and 77 PA at AA. The rule 5 draft always has this initial angst about it to some degree where we worry about someone with a good future being snagged away. But I just can't see anyone picking him and stashing him for 2025. If the Twins have an open spot, love his bat, believe there's more power coming, and that he can be at least a decent catcher option in the future, I guess they might consider placing him on the 40 man. I think it's much more likely he works at AA in 2025 and then might be added if he shows continued progress behind and at the plate.

I keep wondering if some of "the plan" that the Twins have been following is an over reaction to a couple really poor seasons in the past against LHP? SOME platooning has always happened, and always will. And I'm in 100% agreement the Twins have taken it to extremees. 70-75% of all arms are RH. We all know this. So where do you draw the line? I've read posts in different OP's about the Twins needing a RH hitting CF option to backup Buxton. Why? What's wrong with a LH option? That was part of the problem with Margot last season, and someone like Garlick a couple years ago. A poor defensive player who can only perform against LHP doesn't work because sooner or later said player is going to have to face same side arms, and probably way more than you want them to. Then what? Especially if you've PH too early and now your best LH bats are done for the day. Brian, I mentioned Grichuk in an earlier post. I don't know that he should or shouldn't be any sort of Twins target. (Not sure he's going to get the kind of deal he wants, but that's neither here nor there). But I mentioned him simply because his career splits had him as OK/acceptable against RH pitching for his career. Before he bottomed out last season, Adam Duvall might have been a good comp for what the Twins should be looking to add, again, a decent bat against same side pitching. Building your roster too far to the short side is a recipe for disaster. Agreed. IF the Twins can actually add a RH bat through FA or trade, he should absolutely be able to not embarrass himself against RH arms! It's a non brainer that Falvey SHOULD recognize at this point. Rocco, as most managers I believe, likes to have a balanced lineup where you can alternate RH and LH bats. Makes sense right? But unless you've got Randy Johnson on the mound destroying all your LH bats, you're going to need those LH bats to face a reliever at some point in the game. And you're right that if they never face LH pitching, how are they ever going to become even mediocre? I'm 100% behind having a good, solid RH bat who could alternate with Larnach and Wallner in the corners here and there to provide a quasi platoon. One is in the lineup, one on the bench ready to come in. But to just refuse to let them face LHP ceases their development. Back to the CF situation for a moment. Until Rodriguez is ready, or if the Twins somehow add a CF option to backup Buxton, why wouldn't be a viable option to try? So what if he's LH? I'd rather have an inexpensive, defense first alternate with some speed, pop, and the ability to MAYBE hit ML pitching...which he's BARELY been given the opportunity to do...instead of a Margot retread who CAN'T hit dominate side arms and can't play decent defense simply because he's RH! Short term thinking by the FO, and again, probably an over compensation for some inexplicably bad seasons against LHP. I find it interesting that currently, Keirsey and Helman, a RH, remain on the 40 man. That might be short term. Or, they may remain out of necessity due to the payroll. But at least they provide defense, versatility, athleticism and speed. Internal, self scouting is one are that I think Falvey misses on once in a while. Keirsey and Helman may simply not be ML ballplayers. Or maybe, given a chance, they can be good role players. But in 2024 for example, they sat while Margot struggled in the field, and at the plate with the exception of a few good months in the middle of the season. I know I'm a little more hopeful on some of the injury situations than you, but I think we're in agreement that Correa, Buxton, and Lewis are part of the TOP 5. The whole plantar thing is AWEFUL...BTDT...but it's also unpredictable. Therapy, time off, new shoes, I remain hopeful on Correa. And I'm going to benhopeful Lewis's body "settles in" to extended playing time. Buck's knee better, and no longer playing 100% ALL OUT on every play offers SOME hope his hip will begin to cooperate. In addition to those 3, I've also got Wallner. He's too damn good and has too much potential to NOT play him almost daily. He's got the ability to hit a mistake from a LHP and do real damage. That's 4. Miranda's shoulder appears fine. If his back issue in 2024 was just a q time thing, no matter how he's used, he could be the #5. He hits RHP well, sprays the ball around the field, and is not a platoon piece. That's 5. If Castro is back, and HIS back issue was also a 1 time thing, he's an everyday day ballplayer, not just a utility player. That's 6. Larnach had his best and longest and most productive ML season. I believe he finished the year with the 5th highest OPS?? And he did so while battling turf toe most of the season and a late hamstring injury. I don't think he's ever going to be a star player, but his approach is sound. I think both he and Wallner have the potential to be OK against LHP, even though they are different hitters. But both have shown the ability to at least battle at the plate. That's the first part of being a complete hitter, just not giving away too many AB. But again, SOMEONE from the RH side to form a quasi platoon makes sense. That's 7, with the caveat that he and Wallner sit once in a while and maybe bat lower in the order against LHSP. Lee has to be healthy. If he is, I don't hold his injury riddled debut against him. He was great in ST, was great at AAA, debuted well, and then floundered when hurt. He's got the ability and all the intangibles to be very good, if not a star. That's 8. The catching duo is the final spot in a complete lineup. This group is not going to be healthy all the time, nor in the lineup every single day. So no matter how potentially good they all are, a 7 or 8 man TOP GUY list can be reduced to 5 or 6 really easy. The key is 2 things, IMO: 1] DON'T BE AFRAID to let LH bats face LHP. That doesn't mean load up your entire lineup with LH bats of course, but let them play, learn, and keep a balanced lineup with your best, most talented players playing as often as possible. 2] When building the rest of your roster, DON'T SETTLE for a one dimensional option who has little to no defensive value and who can ONLY hit one sided pitching. Because invariably, they are going to be put in to situations you never wanted them to be put in.

IMO, two things caused the disappointing 2024. 1] Too many injuries. I know that's low hanging fruit, but it's a reality. And it's a bit of a comp to Cleveland having better health in 2024 vs 2023. If Lewis's body has "adapted" to the demands of simply playing more after missing so much time, the entire lineup changes. If therapy, rest, and new shoes literally keep Correa on his feet, the offense takes another jump, as does the defense. Ryan able to finish a season changes the rotation structure. (The depth will be better this season compared to last). While I'm not making any bold predictions, if Buxton's knee remains solid, his hip flareups might decrease and maybe we get another 15 games or so from him. 2]The inconsistent hitting. There's an awful lot of offensive potential with what's on hand. And we saw it for about 2/3 to 3/4 of the season, even with some disappointments. But the ineptitude in the first month and the last month just shouldn't happen. There didn't seem to be an ability to make adjustments when an opposing pitcher was hot, or threw with a different approach not expected. We saw some of the same things in 2023 as well. And I think that's why the change in coaching took place. If they can find a better, more consistent approach, with adaptations, from both veterans and young players, all those close games with blown opportunities and disappointing losses might flip around. The speed/athleticism factor isn't going to change overnight. Rodriguez, Keaschall... Winoker down the road...any maybe a couple other young guys will help in the future. There's also trade possibilities to help in this area. But speed itself doesn't do a lot of good unless players can also hit and get OB at least to some degree. A healthy Lewis, Miranda, Correa, and a more consistent Jeffers by themselves, without speed, makes the offense better. The defense needs work. I'd like to see more work, more drills there, if that's what it takes, to tighten things up. Lee at 2B, Lewis throwing better, and Correa back at SS full time changes a lot of things, IMO. I believe Falvey when he says he likes his team. There's a lot to like! But I'm sure he'd like to make additions or changes that don't deprive the team of important current players. But he's never going to publicly stated "I sure with the owners would give us another $20M so I could sign a couple of guys". Unfortunately, he's going to probably have to ride with a lot of what's on hand, and look for improvement within. I HOPE the team can keep Castro and his versatility and speed. His FINAL OPS was slightly over league average despite a poor 2nd half when he reportedly had a bad back. Pretty sure his OPS at the All Star break was a good 10-15 points higher than his final number. Of the 5 spots he played, he was basically league average in OPS+ at all of them. Imagine no bad back? Interesting to me that Helman and Keirsey both remain on the 40 man at this time. I absolutely do not pretend that either of them will be any sort of starter or major offensive contributors. But I can see the POSSIBILITY of either or both being better alternatives to Margot and Farmer with the bat and especially the glove if kept around. Good, bad, right, or wrong, there's a chance they are part of the Twins bench in 2025. I'd like a good, sound, smart addition or two. We all would. And we might get a surprise or two we can't predict right now. It's happened before. But on paper, with just a little better health luck and a more consistent offense, I do think there's a lot to like here.

I have also warmed up to Lewis possibly moving to 1B, maybe in 2026 and not this season necessarily, as I stated before. I'm looking at Keaschall at 2B in the not too distant future and the best OVERALL infield. If course, that would place Lee at 3B. Again, I think Lewis can be just fine at 3B as long as he gets his throwing motion in order. But his size, and athleticism could make him a very good 1B potentially, the other pieces fit where they can be best utilized, and the infield could be VERY good offensively, and solid defensively as well. Not an indictment of Lewis's defensive ability/potential, just the best 4 man alignment to maximize everyone.

So far in his brief career, the HITS per 8 and K per 9 are solid. Over 4BB per 9 is not so hot though. What's interesting is it appears he was a much better pitcher in 2023 than 2024 when you glance at the balloon in ERA. However, while his HITS per 9 were slightly up last season, the IP and BB were almost identical, and the K's and K %in 2024 were higher. The sudden jump on HR appears to be the culprit. I'll be interested to see if he begins the year at CR or Wichita. I'm certain being in the AFL was not only about work, but helping to establish his starting point in 2025. Decent stuff and almost 25yo, you'd like to see him at AA. But it's possible he gets a jump start at CR and an early promotion to Wichita. I don't know that Noble is an arm to be excited about. But with a deep pitch mix and K ability, you're hoping fewer HR and even a small drop in BB % might offer up a solid pen option in the near future. Best of luck to him and congratulations on the honor.

Do we have to decide now? Can we wait until mid season to make our final choices? Not evading the OP, I just think the entire infield...save SS of course...is in potential flux Even in SSS, I've seen enough of Lee's glove and instincts to say he can be really good at 2B or 3B. So what combination makes the most sense? I think Lewis fine with range and hands and arm strength at 3B, as long as he corrects his throwing motion. (Don't recall him having that issue previously). I'm sure Lewis would make a fine 3B. I'm just not sure i see the advantage of moving him there and Lee at 3B. Almost feels like moving Lee and Lewis around just for the sake of doing so. Again, unless Lewis can't get his arm angle adjusted, I just don't know that any kind of move to 2B brings an advantage. However, if top 100 prospect Keaschall is as good as advertised, might be be ready for 2B by mid season? Is it possible Eeles is more than just a good story and he's ready for a legitimate option at 2B at some point? At that point, would it make more sense to put Lewis at 1B and Lee at 3B? Nothing wrong with a good, athletic player at 1B. Means he's got the ability to play good if not very good defense there. So this might, potentially, just be the best 4 man alignment, and by no means a knock on Lewis. Rather, just the best ONF you could build. I don't mind Castro at 2B as a full timer for a period of time until someone else is ready. I'd put Lee there for now, and consider any kind of move of he and Lewis until maybe 2026. And that allows Castro to keep playing in his daily SUPER UTILITY role. I don't believe Julien is out of the equation. While his defense regressed in 2024, he actually showed enough improvement in 2023 to make you believe he could be solid/average there. But if his bat returns to previous form, or close, is see him at 1B/DH with a few games here and there at 2B.

I won't say Sherman is all wet. What he states and the reasons he states them are part of a well thought premise. But I believe that's all it is. Not only does Correa have a no trade clause, but Sherman is including BOTH NY teams as a general conception, not a specific team. (IF I'm understanding his article correctly). So this sounds like spitballing to me. As to Falvey, he's always seemed very consistent to me in situations like this on that he basically says "never say never" but always makes obvious statements like "we'd always listen, but any offer would have to be "X" before we'd even begin conversations". And that's pretty much what he said here again. Add it all up, I think this is much ado about nothing. Now, if Correa suddenly doesn't like the direction of the team and the proposed/impending sale and ASKS for a trade.....

I generally agree with this excluding the catching position, which sort of shortens the plan. But without having a HOF caliber catcher behind the plate, I really like having a pair of catchers you can rely on to manage your staff. I'd prefer a solid catcher who isn't an almost black hole at the plate as part of that duo...Castro and Garver being a great example...but as bad a Vazquez was, his hot streaks with Jeffers being above average even with his cold ones...was a good platoon. I'm still wondering if Falvey might trade a couple/trio of top 30 prospects to add a young catcher to team with Jeffers as a BIG MOVE, and then move Vazquez in whatever deal is available to add a little payroll wiggle room. I don't know if that kind of platoon qualifies as part of THE 5, but it sure doesn't hurt, right? I am NOT trying to be overly optimistic here, but I wanted to toss out a few ideas regarding the TOP 5, which i agree with. 1] I truly believe Correa's issues were related to his cleats. This is based on personal experience, the fact that his plantar issues came out of nowhere, as well as what Correa reported when he blew up his Nike deal and found a different brand to wear. I can see him healthy for 140 games in 2025. 2] Baseball gods bless Buxton going forward, Unless i missed something, the plica correction Buxton had made his knee feel great again. His injury issues last year was a re-occurance of his hip, which has been an issue here and there related to compensating for his previous knee issues. He reached a 100 games in 2024. With an offseason of rest, strength and flexibility work, is it possible his hip will "settle down" now? Might we dream of 120 games? Not saying it should be expected, but I think it's a dream worth considering. 3] Lewis has missed so much time due to his knee injuries. But they seem fine now. But I recall a deeply detailed OP by our resident TD physical therapist Lucas several months ago discussing soft tissue injuries that can often happen when a body has been compensating for other injuries. (This goes back to Buxton as well). Paraphrasing here, when the body has been adjusting to previous injury, it compensates, and when stressed, it can take time to readjust to more normal usage. So might Lewis, his body FINALLY getting used to playing so much, "settle in" to "normalcy" as an everyday ballplayer? I think these important 3 and their injuries are worthy of angst, but also hope based on the points made. (The lineup looks damn good if so!) 4] Wallner's approach and potential at the plate demands he play more than as a platoon, IMO. And IIRC, Rocco began to trust him more against LHP later in this past season. A) he's too damn dangerous to take out of the lineup for a late game appearance, B) his ability to normally work a count means he's not just an automatic out if he just stays within himself. 5] I almost hate to say this, but the development we've seen from Larnach in 2024, with a little better "contact" approach than Wallner has me somewhat optimistic he can hang in against LHP vs being an automatic platoon player. 6] I don't know about Lee just yet. He's got all the tangible skills to be a daily regular. There's a lot of angst right now about disappointment in his debut. But he looked great in ST, great in AAA, great for hus first couple of weeks with the Twins, and then he hurt his shoulder. Should we be down on a rookie who played a few weeks between injury stints with a bad shoulder? Because of that we should expect him to start in AAA? Maybe. But what if AAA is a month before he's up again? I'm not down on Lee at this point at all. 7] I'm going to disagree on Castro as part of a TOP 5 option, assuming he's still, hopefully, part of the Twins in 2025. Being a SUPER UTILITY player DOESN'T mean he can't play a single spot and be good. It just means he's got the unique ability to play all over as the 10th man. He earned an All Star berth based on his ability and production. His second half was poor based on a bad back. If he had been healthy all season, would he have been included in your TOP 5? He would be in mine. 8] Miranda, again with the damn injuries! Really solid rookie season. A completely LOST 2023, and then one of the Twins best hitters in 2024 for 3 1/2 months before a bad back. HOPEFULLY decent, OK defense at 1B, he's shown enough so far, IMO, that he might be a TOP 5 with the bat if his strained back is OK. He might be more of a line drive hitter with doubles power, and just might not be the 20HR slugger you'd want, but the bat plays if healthy. It seems like there a lot of "IF's" here, and I guess there are. But i don't see $ available to sign Goldschmidt to 1B with hopes he can regain his stroke after a down season, but good second half, to be a potential middle of the order difference maker. You and I both dislike relying too much on any sort of platoon situation. But any TOP 5 really comes down to all the players I've mentioned here. Good or bad, it comes down to health and development of the young bats on hand for 2025, with the idea of a couple really talented prospects like Keaschall and Rodriguez at some point. If the numbers work, I'd love to add a RH bat like Grichuk who isn't a platoon only RH bat, coming off a solid rebound season. He helps the OF lineup situation with better balance. I think it's a real need. And a perfect fit. But the rest is health and development of the younger players with a hopefully different approach with the new coaches in regard to situational hitting for a more even offense over the season. There's potential for a TOP 5 for sure. But it's going to have to come internally.

I think the job of a manager is a lot like being a 3B coach. When a 3B coach makes a good read on a ball to the OF and sends a guy home and he beats a throw, everyone rejoices at the run scored. If that happens 3 times in a row, great. Make a bad read, or an OF makes a perfect throw, suddenly the coach is an idiot. A manager pulls a starter after 7 IP and 85 pitches in August but sees the heart of the lineup coming up again and goes to the pen, it's an OK move if the reliever does a good job. The reliever doesn't do a good job, the manager is an idiot. While I've seen a few games where I HAVE questioned Rocco pulling a starter earlier than I thought he should of, the last 3 years when he's ACTUALLY HAD good arms like Gray, Lopez, Ryan, and Ober, he's not only let them throw 6 innings consistently, but he's let them throw a good 90-100 pitches. His handling of Ober in his rookie season and SWR as a rookie this past year were excellent. Twins SP have been amongst the league leaders in IP the past 3 seasons...the end of 2024 being a bit different to throwing 3 rookies out there...and the numbers are there to look up. The mantra about this needs to stop. And Gray is a poor example as well. He's never been a workhorse, despite WANTING himself to be. He was better with the Twins than the Reds last season and referenced once that I can recall reading he wanted to throw more. That's just his competitive nature, not an indictment of his manager for either team. If anyone recalls, he ALSO said while as a Twin that he appreciated when Rocco let him throw more...sometimes with a bad result...and said it was up to him to just pitch better. (Sigh) Just had to get that off my chest. Lol PLUSSES: The players like playing for him. He provides a positive attitude. He doesn't throw players under the bus. Publicly, the closest he does so is a gentle shove. He actually handles his starting staff, generally, very well, as I stated above. And again, he's done a great job nursing the rookie seasons out of Ober and SWR. Everyone plays, for the most part, and he keeps the team on a positive plane. He backs his players and offers confidence in them. NEGATIVES: It's up to his coaches to do a lot of the WORK to make the team better. One man doesn't do EVERYTHING. But I DO think, as the manager, it's his job to make sure things like basic fundamentals and drills are worked on on a more consistent basis. I've seen some lapses that just shouldn't happen. I think he's pretty solid in his handling of the pen. But I've been a firm objector to his handling of Alcala last season. I thought there were a few times last season where he turned to the pen at the wrong time. With a LH batter coming up and RH hitters behind them, he trusted someone like Okert to get a big out and pulled his starter, only to have Okert fail and then get hammered by the next couple of RH batters up. Some of that is the RP NOT DOING HIS JOB, and some is not having a better option. But once in a while, I think he went with the MATCHUP too quickly. While I think he's gotten better, there were times in the past where he PH way too early in games and "ruined" match ups later in the game. And yes, it's rather incredulous how often Margot was sent up to PH in 2024. Law of averages doesn't work when it's failed over and over again. A belief in your players gets you only so far sometimes. When a prospect is up, I get him sitting for a day or so to get acclimated. But to just sit on the bench and not be allowed to play and show if they can do the job, or maybe provide a spark, seems like a mistake to me. NOT ROCCO'S FAULT: Bunting is a lost art. Statistically, it's been proven over years or study that bunting HAS IT'S PLACE in certain situations. But generally speaking, the small ball of bunting runners can often DECREASE the percentage chances of scoring runs. Certainly a decrease in scoring more than ONE run. BUT, there ARE TIMES when it can make a difference. And maybe the hitting coaches can help various batters improve in those areas for those certain instances. Also, it's hard to run and steal bases when you don't have players with speed. Even then, you'd better be consistently at a 75% success rate or you statistically run yourself out of an inning. Statistics, long gathered over years of data are not only NOT evil, they are a fact. I'm not saying a manager shouldn't trust his gut at times in different situations, but statistics are not made up Voodoo. Generally speaking, I think Rocco does a good, solid job, even though I've questioned some of his approaches at times. I think he's grown and adapted, and he himself has stated that he has. I think there's room for more growth and development for sure. But i think coaching from his staff is part of that. Again, the manager simply doesn't do everything. But I think he can have a "hand" in everything like something as simple as drills to keep players sharp. Someone previously mentioned the great Francona leaving the Indians and they were suddenly better in 2024. Does that mean Francona had suddenly become a bad manager? Or is it more that a couple roster additions and much better health let the Guardians become a playoff team? I don't think Rocco is a great manager. I do think he's a good, solid one who is better if his players are healthy, and he has more good players available to him to work with. It's part of the job of a manger, and his coaches to get the most out of the players he does have. But again, it's not all on him. And that's why part of the re-tool for 2025 begins with different hitting coaches. I'm fine with him back for next season as I think he's done a solid job overall. But I can certainly see a change for 2026 if positive results aren't shown.

If i had to choose? I'd keep Jeffers since he's a much better offensive player, is younger, still has upside, is less expensive, and we have him beyond this season. Kind of a no brainer if you ask me. I do wonder if they might put together a package of 2 or 3 top 30 prospects to grab a young catcher from someone else. It would make the trading of Vazquez easier, IF they determine that want and/or need to.

I'm as excited as anyone about Rodriguez's talent, potential, and future. But he only played about half a year in 2024 and hasn't exactly en turned 22yo yet. (Soon). I'm willing to bet, healthy, he's ready by mid season. But asking him to suddenly play, and play well, for the Twins to begin 2025 is similar to many calling for Martin to be an everyday player last year after a half season of success at AAA. But there's also little to no $ to spend to add much in the way of FA help. So what's the solution? Well, the FO can trade for a ML ready OF or young, recently graduated type who's controllable. This assumes there is such an OF available from someone who can afford to let him go because they've got enough to do so, and th3 Twina have pitching or infield depth they like and need. And they can't afford a major FA upgrade unless they move other payroll off the roster and weaken a different position. Larnach, Buxton, and Wallner are the primary OF. I'd be looking at someone like Randal Grichuk on a FA deal. He only made about $2M in 2024, and won't be getting his metal deal for 2025. With a solid 2024, he's probably hoping for a 2yr deal and something closer to $6 per. But the Twins aren't the only team with $ worries, so I'm betting he's looking at another 1yr deal at 33yo and possibly as low as $4-5M. But I'm OK with 2yrs if the annual is more in that range. He provides a good RH bat for the corner OF spots against LHP, but isn't a black hole against same side arms, meaning he isn't just a short side platoon bat. If there's a different option, I'm fine with that. But someone like Grichuk, who basically takes the $ available from a Paddack trade, fills a real need. He, or someone similar, doesn't have to play CF. Since I have little $ to work with. Castro can help in CF on a part time basis, and Rodriguez will hopefully be ready mid year, I'm running with Keirsey as a backup CF/OF and PR who only needs not embarrass with the bat to be useful as a role player and bottom of the order hitter. Helman is competition from the RH side. And then you have a HOPEFULLY improved Martin for additional depth and competition. IMO, this is the best way to build the OF for 2025 with what's on hand and dealing with a shoestring budget. Get a solid RH bat, and run through the rest of what you have for a depth/defensive piece that can be a PR.

A smart idea. I can get behind this. I'd rather keep Castro and add Donovan but there wouldn't be financial room for both. I'd be more excited if Donovan played a little better 3B or 1B, though to be fair he's only played 46 and 30 games at those two spots, not all of them starts. He's probably a more consistent hitter than Castro and appears to have a little more power. Presumably he's better than Castro defensively in both corner OF spots. However, Castro would appear to have more speed and can play at least a decent CF and SS making him more versatile in the field. If they're both 27yo and the $ savings would only be around $2M, and we wouldn't have to trade any prospects, aren't the Twin better off just keeping Castro?

Castro is a "ballplayer". And he also offers some speed. Oh, he can also hit, where many/most on the list above can't hit, or barely hit. Why sign or trade for anyone else's "speed' guy who can't hit when we already have athletic, speed guys in Helman and Keirsey who haven't been given a real shot yet to see if they might actually be able to hit at the ML level? Maybe they will and maybe they won't. For them not to have been given a legitimate look yet is inexcusable. My goodness, they were drafted by this FO. And then when they reach AAA and do well they're ignored?

You almost had me until you winning the triple crown. I hear your K rate is too high. 🤪

For the most part, as expected. I am mildly surprised by Severino though. While he certainly didn't replicate his 2023 results at AA...36 games at AAA...he's still only recently turned 25yo. While his quad slash line in his first full season wasn't great....254/ .342/ .434/ .775...it certainly wasn't bad. He also produced 21 Dbls 2 Trips and 21 HR with 79 RBI. Again, not bad. I was 50-50 the Twins might remove him to make room for another addition to the 40 man. He's young ENOUGH as a 25yo switch hitter with power to want to keep around if he could take another step forward. I'm hoping he decides to re-sign with the Twins on a MILB deal. If he could make a little better contact, he MIGHT have a path to the Twins at 1B/DH in 2025. But other organizations might offer a better opportunity? I'd like to have him back just in case. Winder might also move on. There was hope that his new sinker, combined with his slider, might make him a viable pen option as his previous FB was just too straight despite good velocity. But his shoulder has been giving him problems for 2 years now. If healthy, I could see him coming back on a MILB deal. Duarte looked like a steal when he was signed. Right time and place to take the next step in his career. Suddenly, his elbow blows out. Is he worth considering on a MILB deal based on what they saw last year. Maybe. You're always looking for depth in your system. He probably won't have a ton of offers. Maybe coming back for AAA depth makes some sense? Nothing earth shattering here, just a couple interesting re-sign possibilities to consider.

I really liked what I saw of Lee defensively last season. He's got a good first step, good glove, and great baseball instincts. I think the Twins want him at 2B for 2025...barring him being traded as part of a deal for another addition to the team which I think is a possibility...while still being a viable option as a backup SS/3B. I believe he's a natural hitter with a good approach, and excellent bat to ball skills that not everyone has. I see very good doubles power with double digit HR power, though I'm not convinced yet he has 20HR power. But that's OK. He's been advanced very quickly through the system based on talent and "readiness" in so many ways. His ST would have had him on the ML club DAY TWO when Lewis went down except for his own injury. Personally, I dismiss his offensive numbers with the Twins last year. His hot first couple of weeks might have been a bit of an illusion, but his college and MILB numbers and projections scream quality hitter. But not only was he a rookie, but he suffered the "Twins curse" of naturally getting injured right away with a shoulder issue. I'm sorry, but I can't downgrade a kid making his rookie debut, then getting hurt, and putting up poor numbers after that. It's just a part of "crap happens". (Especially to top Twins prospects it seems). He's got all the ability and intangibles to be a good, quality ML player for years! He hits like many believe, and can provide the doubles and double digital HR power he appears to have, he's very good!. And a potential All Star. He can crank 20HR and hit like expected, he's a multiple time All Star. I'd settle for the middle of those 3 options, but hope for the latter. But I am not down on him and his unfortunate/disappointing rookie debut.

I thought Miranda showed a lot of improvement at 3B this season. Enough so that I wouldn't be surprised if a team really needing one didn't reach out to the Twins. His defense at 1B so far has been barely average to average. But he basically never played the position until his rookie season in 2022. He was an injured mess in 2023 who barely played and lost much of the year. And with Santana entrenched there in 2024, he saw limited time. I understand 1B is different than 3B in many aspects. But if Miranda can improve at 3B, as he has, hard shots and grounders at 3B should translate to being able to handle scoops and some hard shots his way at 1B. It's a reverse position, but one he COULD/SHOULD be able to adjust to with work and experience. Maybe not an ideal comparison, but think Sano shifting there on the fly a few years ago. I'm NOT saying he will or won't be above average with work. I'm saying if he was capable of improving at 3B, why can't he improve at 1B? The key is the bat and being healthy. We saw the potential with the bat his rookie season before wearing down late. Again, I'm dismissing 2023 for obvious reasons. Healthy again in 2024, he was an above league average offensive player until he hurt his back. (I believe I'm right that it was his back). I DON'T dismiss having a good glove at 1B! But unless the FO can make a trade for a young 1B who has just graduated to the ML level and is cost controlled, or a top prospect seemingly ready for MLB, they are going to have to find an internal option that can be "solid" at the position for 2025. Right now, today, the best #1 option is a good bad, line drive doubles with HR pop and HR potential Miranda. I couldn't care less if he actually continues to hit RHP pitching better than LHP, (something that could easily improve), as he'd be facing RHP 75% of the time anyway. It's not a negative. As a quick aside, if Julien can get out of his own head and get back to being the confident hitter with a solid approach he was previously, and make some adjustments, I can see him being part of the 1B/DH combination as well. As Miranda could possibly still cover 3B here and there, Julien could still play a little 2B as well.

To be, hopefully, more clear, I'm not saying they will or should do a 100% rollback on the 2024 squad. But A] they aren't riddled with holes on the roster, B] the trading of any of these 10 opens up a hole somewhere you have to fill back up. So what do you accomplish moving virtually any of them? The payroll is a serious issue, of course, unless they can free up some space, which brings us back to possibly moving either or both of Vazquez and Paddack. Possibly Castro as well, but that one hurts, at least in the short term short term for 2025. Now, who saw the Areaez trade for Lopez happening? Nobody. So I'm not saying there might not be a surprise that we just don't see coming. No, I don't think Jenkins or E Rodriguez are on the block at all. Almost any other position player/prospect is open. I include Lee in that list as he's a rookie in every way except the details of time spend on the ML roster. The Jay's reportedly wanted Keaschall for Kukuchi and the Twins said no. While just drafted, I can see Kaelen Culpepper available as well. Remember, they traded Petty the offseason after they drafted him. On the pitching side of things, I'd say Festa, Matthews, and probably Morris are hands off. Not saying no, I can even see a path where SWR was moved, but I doubt it. I don't see Prielipp being moved due to talent/potential as well as still being an unknown quantity physically. While he's a tantalizing prospect, and the Twins would be loathe to move him, I could see Soto moved in the right deal. Personally, i still like Raya's potential, but I think he's available in a deal as well. Possibly Morris over him if the right deal is on the table. One will be available along with Lewis, Culpepper, and everyone else in the system. I see no path to the Twins trading prospects, or barely graduated prospects, for veteran talent due to $ constraints. But I can see packages of various prospects for a young catcher, a ready to go RH OF or 1B who have just graduated to MLB, or are ready to. I don't see a world where you trade a Looez/Ryan/Ober and then try to acquire another young arm that's less proven when you already have young arms like SWR, Festa, Matthews, and Morris, etc, ready or near ready. Again, we've been surprised before. I think prospects for another young player or two ML ready, the deal(s) fitting each teams needs. I see Vazquez and Paddack as possibles to free up some $ for a couple decent, solid pieces like a LHRP or RH OF on the FA market.

Rosario with a better AVG and OB% from his appearance in the AFL last year, but power is down. Not sure it's anything to worry about though. Still disappointing for Ross despite the dinger. The door isn't closed on him as a prospect yet, but his bat has really fallen off after looking pretty good initially. Noble did pretty well overall in 2024 and is doing well now. Not exactly a young arms, but if he keeps the BB down he's got a chance. I'm a sucker for LH arms so I've been keeping an eye on Bragg. After throwing only a handful of innings in 2024, I'm following him more than the other pitchers. The overall numbers seem solid, but the BB are too high. But at his age, I'm wondering if he jumps to Cedar Rapids next year despite limited time?

"And let’s not forget, that “contact” hitter approach still led to 21 home runs and the eighth-best slugging percentage of catchers who had 400 or more plate appearances" I think that's a good place to start. Just entering what should be his prime seasons as a hitter at 27yo, he's already one of the top hitting catchers in ALL of MLB. He's been frustratingly inconsistent, but even so, he's very, very productive. And if he can just smooth out his consistency a bit more, there's room to be even better. For ANY fielding position there is vast debate how to measure just how good ANYONE is defensively. There's at least 3 different camps in how to measure defensive ability. It becomes even harder for catchers. On one hand, there are debates that Jeffers is below average with the glove. His fielding % for his career is .994. It's hard to be better than that. But that's a bit old school and different metrics would say he's not that good. His CS % for his career is 20%, or about 5 % below what you'd want, though he has 2 years where he threw out 22 and 25%. But don't the pitchers also influence those numbers? There are those who feel pitch framing is a viable statistic, and those who feel it's arbitrary. A couple years ago he ranked amongst the best. So who's right and who's wrong there? I am beyond trying to convince anyone Jeffers is solid behind the plate. Some of us don't like him, some of us think he's OK. We're never going to agree. There are SO FEW backstops that are 2 way performers like Mauer, Posey, Rodriguez, or Perez that I think we need a re-set of expectations. I have no illusions that Jeffers is, or ever will be, a Mauer clone behind the plate. But my criteria for a good backstop is not being a back hole behind the plate, or a traffic cop waving runners along like cars at an intersection. Jeffers is neither of those, even if we'd like more. I look for someone who calls a good game, and seems to have the confidence of the staff. I've been able to watch Jeffers throughout his career, and he's solid in those areas. Again, we're never going to all agree on how good Jeffers is, or not, or his worth. To me, he's a solid catcher and one of the best bats in MLB and room to still get better. Absolutely worth his impending 2025 contract.