DocBauer

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.

Deleted

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!

Sorry, typo I just corrected. I meant to say 20 HR and absolutely NOT 29 HR. And he might not reach that, simply depending on playing time. But there's certainly room for a productive bat in the DH/OF area of the team. And I'll give you Grichuk is no guaranteed offering as a potential contributor in 2025, but he's still been over 100 OPS plus the past 2 years. And I'd wager his offensive production surpasses Bader at the end of the season. I'm simply wondering if he wouldn't have been a better choice, going offense vs defense, in this particular situation/signing.

If the objective for the FO was to have the best defensive CF option available to back up Buxton...while also providing help as a late inning defensive replacement in the corners...then they picked the right guy. The fact that he has some power and good speed and can help on the basepaths is a quality bonus. However, if they signed him to ALSO be a primary platoon partner or quasi starter for the OF corners, then they erred. He's just not a good hitter or OB% guy. I'm a supporter of Keirsey in the fact that he's athletic and offes a nice set of tools and only costs the minimum. I understand defensive metrics, and they are a valuable tool. But there's so many of them you can pick and choose at will. By all reports, Keirsey is a good to very good CF. He also has some power and speed and SB ability, and only costs the league minimum. What we don't know yet is how good or how bad he might hit ML pitching. And we don't know that because instead of cutting Margot in 2024 and letting Keirsey get a chance, the FO stuck with the poorly performing vet instead of giving the younger player a chance. And as I've stated previously, I'm NOT hating Bader or his signing. I can see the value if he's used properly and his defense was the chief asset the FO wanted. There's some good things here. But I can't help wonder if going with Keirsey...knowing Castro will play a little CF as well...and having a top prospect like Rodriguez close and already on the 40 man, and spending $5-6M on Grichuk wasn't the smarter move. 500 PA...not saying that's exactly what he'd get...Grichuk could rake against LHP and still be his career solid against RHP and provide 20 HR and 30 DBLs as a DH and part time corner OF. Is a drop on defense...arguably how much of a drop...without Bader as the backup CF but the better more powerful bat in Grichuk more of what the team/lineup really needed?

You need 9 lineup spots every single day, every single game. 75% of all pitching are RH. Larnach and Wallner are good to potentially very good LH hitters...facing that 75% at least...in a team possibly still lacking a bat. Can we PLEASE stop with this garbage about TWO LH bats being a redundancy? That arguement is utterly ridiculous! IF the Twins want to use Castro more in the OF, I guess it makes some sense to look for another utility player. Of course, since the Saints currently have very little in the way of a daily SS option, the Twins might be looking for a former ML player on a MILB deal and a ST invite to stash at AAA. The names listed here don't really seem like a great fit, IMO, dunno ability or cost. BTW, i voice a serious objection to Castro being a poor INF defender. Have you ever watched the games? Sure he's only an average or slightly better SS you don't want there daily, but his 3B defense is just fine. As is his 2B defense. While he's no GG mit anywhere, saying he's poor is just not accurate.

On the surface it's a perfect match for both teams. The Orioles have too many bats and too little pitching, and the Twins need a BAT/1B and have somewhat or a luxury in the pitching department. But Mountcastle, LF wall issue or not, has seen his HR and RBI numbers drop every single season since 2021. He's a solid hitter at .265 for his career and a .316 OB% but there's nothing elite about that, or his declining numbers. And even with the wall in LF, he still plays half his games on the road. So why a 3 year decline? I would have expected more neutral numbers after the wall was moved/raised. I'd say Paddack for an arm to help the Orioles NOW, and balance the books, and Morris or Raya to help by midseason at the latest, and a 3rd offering could be another potential rotation arm, or current pen arm throw in, or a solid MILB position player. To me that's fair for both clubs, and for a 1B only player who's bat is OK, with upside, but is on a downturn plane at the moment. I could do this, and both teams should. It's just a matter of the value of the 3rd Twins offering. But in NO WAY do I even consider Ober or Ryan for a 1B only player with some bat questions.

I don't know how they'd accomplish it without BOTH Paddack and Vazquez being moved, but at this point I'd hope/pray they move Paddack, but keep Vazquez at this point, add another $5M to payroll, and make a deal with Tampa for Diaz to play 1B. I believe his team option for 2026 is around $16M if the new owners want to pick it up. But since he's over 30, and TECHNICALLY only on a 1yr deal, I'd like to think Tampa would be interested in something like Raya/Morris/Lewis/Culpepper as a P, Mercedes as a talented OF, but maybe Gonzalez or Rosario interests more, and Dancon or DeAndrade as an INF as a 3 for 1 type of deal that covers all 3 spots and potential. A nice collection of top 20-25 prospects and Tampa gets out from Diaz's $12M deal. CATCHER: Jeffers and possibly still Vazquez. There's still a couple decent veteran options if Vazquez is moved, but the well is drying up. INF: Lewis, Correa, Lee, Diaz, Miranda. Miranda is also part of DH as well as 3B/1B. I think a healthy Lee proves he's ready, even if he won't perform as well as he will with time. OF: Larnach, Buxton, Wallner, Bader. This works best if Bader is a true 4th OF. SUPER UTILITY: Castro. Enough said. 13th MAN: TBD. I can see Julien suddenly getting his game back. But I can see Gasper as a switch hitting, contact bat for 1B/DH/PH, though he doesn't inspire me. Do they possibly keep a 5th OF? ROTATION: Lopez, Ober, Ryan, SWR, Festa. SWR has the potential to grow and be better. Festa might surpass him by mid season. BULLPEN: Duran, Jax, Stewart, Sands, Coulombe are 5 locks if Stewart is ready and not held back a couple of weeks. (He might be as a precaution). I DON'T like Castellano as a rule 5 AA pitcher being stashed as an occasional long reliever. If the Twins really like him that much, they trade to keep him and send him down. Otherwise, he shortens the pen and offers little. So I'm leaving him out of the equation. Alcala...FINALLY used 1 batter at a time, Tonkin as a rubber arm 2 IP veteran middle man, and then IDK for the 7th spot. Topa has an option, but might be that 8th man. Varland SHOULD be up, but based on options and depth, could begin the year at AAA just waiting to be the next man up. Do they keep Henriquez if he has a great ST? If so, that means Topa AND Varland begin in St Paul. It's not fair, but it creates some amazing depth with them, plus Funderburk, and Headrick...who is a RP now...plus the possible debut of Canterino, and the return of Duarte and a few other non roster arms that could surprise and help. 7 set, the 8th spot up for grabs, an almost inevitable injury or delay on SOMONE pushes everyone up a notch or opens up a spot. 13th man and 8th man in the pen are my open spots if everything went the way I want.

Since there's so much to unpack here, guess I'm going the bullet point route to address them: 1] I don't believe anyone here has ever stated that platooning is a bad tactic. It's OVERBUILDING a roster for platooning that shortens your roster as well as SHORTENING the potential of your LH bats. A young, talent LH hitter will never hit LHP if he's never allowed to even try. I have ZERO problem with having a good RH bat who platoons with a LH bat on occasion. It's just playing matchup ball. Say, a good RH bat...who doesn't completely suck against RHP...filling in for Larnach and Wallner once in a while. But to make it your MANTRA is short sighted. 2] Bader, by himself, with good defense, some power, and speed, is not a bad addition unto itself. Forgetting $ for a moment, there's value in what he can offer. IF he's used as a true 4th OF/PR/defensive replacement. But if he ends up with 400 PA, then your system and roster building is in error. And the risk/thought is, we're going to have another Margot situation of a poor hitter playing as a regular when he SHOULD be in that 4th OF role. 3] IF you have a limited budget and have some offensive concerns, then why not look for the best BAT you can find and and use the players IN YOUR SYSTEM that are available to fill in the backup spots on the cheap? We know Castro is OK once in a while in CF. We have NO CLUE if Keirsey or Helman can be viable bench players for the Twins and even help cover CF. But we DON'T KNOW because they've never been given a chance DESPITE being drafted and developed by the current FO. 2024 would have been a great opportunity to try and find out, instead of sticking with Margot and Farmer all season until a couple cups of coffee at the end of the season. Few, if anyone, are saying Bader has NO VALUE. He actually does, especially if he's ACTUALLY USED as a 4th OF, defensive replacement, PH, occasional batter against LHP. But history shows a viable concern he'll be used more than that. And with a limited budget, why not "risk" lesser defense in CF that might be OK with younger players ...especially your #2 prospect already on the 40 man...and use that $ to add a BAT that can actually make a difference? The arguements here make Bader a fall guy, and that's a bit unfair to him. But he's the most recent example where roster construction is being limited in imagination. Again, personally, as the roster sits NOW, I would have run with the various options on hand for CF and maybe signed Grichuk for a BAT that could help in the corners, AND at DH for slightly less $. 4] BETTER VALUE might be shedding Paddack's salary, and combine it with the Bader $, and make a move with Tampa Bay for Diaz to play 1B. You suddenly have a quality and fairly productive 1B to settle your INF, and Miranda can continue to play some 1B/3B and DH. CF? You probably lose some defense, but you have a collection of guys to see if they can ACTUALLY play the position...which you haven't tried yet...and have the potential to match what Bader provides offensively. And again, this includes your #2 prospect that may or may not be ready DAY ONE, but he's super talented and already on the 40 man. Not necessarily Bader's fault he's being used as a whipping boy here. And IF used properly and the Twins SOMEHOW could suddenly pull off a good deal for Diaz, we might not be having this huge debate. But the reality is...and my one major complaint with the FO...is spending $ on mediocre role players instead of someone who could MAKE A DIFFERENCE and ignoring guys they've actually drafted and developed to see if THEY could be inexpensive role players for the bench. Sorry you're being turned in to a punching bag Mr. Bader. You aren't a horrible ballplayer. But you are an example of short sighted thinking for a team on a limited budget. You'd be just fine as a veteran role player addition if our team had the payroll to just make you a depth addition.

Bader, it seems to me, is the 2025 version of what Taylor was supposed to be a couple years ago; Buxton insurance (high quality defense) with some speed and pop and POTENTIALLY a solid hitter against LHP. And again, I'm not saying I hate the signing, or that he doesn't have a good season. But the Twins #2 prospect is a CF. Keirsey is reportedly a solid/good CF backup option. Castro can be OK there. Helman has played a fair amount of CF. And like Bader, Rodriguez, Keirsey and Helman have power/pop and speed to run the bases. I think Grichuk would have been MY move to shore up the offense. The real bite is, they SHOULD have been able to sign BOTH.

Ad I stated, more or less, in the other thread, I don't hate this move. Good defense, some pop/power, and some speed. And he'd BETTER have those things still because the bat just isn't very good. Were I in charge, I would let Castro, Keirsey, Helman, and eventually back up CF and spend the $5M it took for Grichuk. He's a FAR better hitter who covers both OF corners, and DH, but has solid/decent career numbers against RH pitching so he isn't just some platoon option. More power, better splits, better hitter. That's the way I would have gone.

I don't hate this. But I do question it. A career. 776 OPS against LHP sounds really nice until we remember yet again that 75% of all arms are RH and then his career. 669 OPS looks really, really bad. So the defense had better still be very good, and the speed and pop/power had better be there as well. As much as I like and want good defense, defense only and no hit doesn't do a lot for me. Honest question, with Castro probably still playing some CF, with the unproven but athletic Keirsey and Helman as other CF options...solid to good defense and really inexpensive...and Rodriguez on the roster and making his debut at some point, was this really the smart way to go? What about Grichuk...who hits RHP decently and is a better overall bat than Bader...for $5M to DH and play corner OF instead of $6M for Bader and roll with those mentioned above as backups. Wouldn't that have been better usage of the final $ they have to spend?