DocBauer

I was of the opinion that after the first major wave of FA hit, there was going to be a collection of bargains sitting out there looking for work come February 1st. Since the Twins didn't have $ to work with, they were going to need a bargain. I thought Poche...maybe a 2yr deal because he's younger...Chafin or Coulombe should be available for around $3M. That's proved true. Coulombe is a smart bargain, and a good choice with limited resources. What's so frustrating is I had hope Grichuk would be available for around $4M 1yr as a perfect RHOF bat that you could still play against RHP. Laureano was my 2nd choice. To see them gone for only a $1M than I had hoped for is not only disappointing, it ticks me off.

Which i would do if they really see potential in him. It's my understanding they still see him as a potential rotation arm down the road. To me it's a question of what would the Phillies want, as well as how much do the Twins like him in comparison to Lewis, Culpepper, and some guys below them. Being able to option him or keep him in MILB has to be worth what you'd give up.

He was my #3 choice, as I stated elsewhere today, but still a good addition. I wish we had kept him 2 years ago. But maybe we're getting a better pitcher back than he was then. Sure seems like it. Just hoping we can keep him healthy for the full year. The pen feels more complete now.

When FA began there were 3 LHRP that is liked for the Twins that generally perform well against RH bats and were affordable. Coulombe was #3 on my list. But I still like him and applaud this move. Wish they had kept him a couple years ago.

I could see Keaschall having a 2025 impact similar to what Julien did in 2023, but even if his elbow is 100%, he hasn't played above AA yet. So I'm betting he arrives too late to win any award, no matter how good of a season he has. Rodriguez is an enigma wrapped in a mystery. His talent is undeniable, and tantalizing! He's TOO patient at times and K's too much. But he also has AMAZING OB% ability and discipline, still hits, has really good power, can run, and has real defensive ability. My goodness, he had a 1.100 OPS at AA despite fighting injury time! And he's not quite 22yo yet! But even if he's 100% healthy and ready to go, is he ready to harness his patience and aggressiveness at the ML level to find a successful balance? @chpettit19has been a champion to "let it fly" in regard to Rodriguez, amongst others. And believe me, I see the opportunity and value in letting him do so, and let Larnach DH, and spend some time in both OF corners. He'd look good at times, and lost other times. But he just might be as special as we all hope and figure it out by the second half, spending the first half in the bottom portion of the lineup. Defensively, even as a rookie, he'd probably add value over Larnach. But what would/will the Twins think/do? This FO hasn't been conservative in promoting players, generally, throughout the system. But they haven't been prone to moving anyone from AA to the majors so far. And 7 games at AAA isn't really much more than a handshake, sandwich, and cup of coffee. But when you're looking for talent and fan interest on a limited budget, and you have a great talent, do they make the move opening day? Do they feel he's ready "enough" to make the move then, or sometime in April? Honestly, in hindsight, Lewis might have been in a similar situation a couple years ago. It'll be interesting to see what happens. But in regard to the OP, the best opportunity to win a bonus draft pick would be Jenkins in 2026. The power is still coming, but the talent is undeniable. Whether he debuts at the end of 2025 or not, there's a good chance he's ready to be handed a full time job to begin 2026.

Well, it's at least fun to see someone like the Twins in their projections at least. I dislike the premise of any team debate begining with "if healthy" because that describes EVERY team at the end of the day. And there's always the possibility of a rookie or two that changes the complexion of a team's final results as well. But in the Twins case, a healthy Lewis and Correa DOES change a lot of the offensive outlook. And I take issue with the proposed projection of Castro. His .750 OPS in 2023 was almost identical the 1st half of 2024 before he hurt his back and was possibly tired as well. I understand his Tiger numbers, but he matured as a 25yo as a Twin and was doing well last season initially, and is still only 27yo. His maturation timeline for getting better at 25yo is fairly standard, IMO. I also take slight issue with the backend of the rotation, even though it's not bad at all. SWR could regression as a sophomore, and Festa isn't exactly proven yet. But there's room for both to improve as easily as regress as well. While SWR tired late in the season, he's young and hitting a career high in IP is also part of the maturation process as a ML pitcher. And Festa's numbers were really solid after his first few outings. Again, no guarantees, but the upside is clear for both of them. My biggest concern is lineup depth. I can have a combination of hope and limited belief in Helman, Keirsey, and a bounceback from Julien, possible improvement from Martin as well, but that's very different than having a payroll that allows you to add a couple pieces to provide confidence in your bench. Were the Twins, for example, to offload Paddack's contract and spend his $ and the reported $5M extra available in payroll to make a trade with the Rays for Diaz at 1B, suddenly allowing Miranda to DH as well as play 1B and some DH, suddenly my only concern is a spare OF. But I do find this speculation to be interesting, if a bit flawed.

This was an AMAZING breakdown! It really made a TON of sense, while continuing to prove that it's almost impossible to accurately measure what is a good defensive catcher. Maybe it really comes down to what each team is looking to GET from their catchers. I've always said that the most important part of being a catcher is calling the game, and working with the staff, and providing CONFIDENCE for the staff. (BTW, Jeffers really showed just how intelligent he really is during his interview in the Meltdown. If you haven't listened to it, please do so). I often shake my head in the various debates here on TD concerning Jeffers vs Vazquez. So much division on opinions! A fairly recent OP on TD had someone post pitching numbers over the past 2 seasons between Jeffers and Vazquez and while the numbers weren't far off, it would seem Jeffers was the better receiver. But there's still so much randomness from those close statistics...who caught who the most, as well as the quality of the stuff thrown by each pitcher, etc...that no real conclusion could be reached. That Jeffers is the younger player, with a much better bat, and more potential is a fact. That Vazquez has been well below average as a hitter is also a fact. But if we look beyond offense and OPS and just focus on the results of the Twins pitching, I think it's fair to say both catchers are doing the job that's intended: lead the staff to perform well. Is Vazquez overpaid? Yes, probably. Has his offense been less than hoped for and generally pretty bad? Yes. But his salary put aside, he's a veteran catcher who has the confidence of the staff, and the team in general. Same with Jeffers. It's doubtful Vazquez is back in 2026, but not impossible. The Twins are probably going to look to find a different partner to pair with Jeffers for 2026 and beyond. But I do wish, for a moment, both sides of the "who's really better" behind the plate would just realize and accept that BOTH seemingly do their primary job pretty well, which is handle the staff.

A really great OP, Nick. And I can't argue with any points you made. But I feel compelled to comment on a few guys. BUXTON: Better health cover Lewis, Correa, and Miranda, of course. But with Buck's fixed...as close to 100% as it's been in years...might his bothersome hip be better with a "normal" offseason, as he puts it? While he'll be rested at times, I wonder if we can daydream about 120 games? CARTAYA and CAMARGO: I really hope Cartaya's defense and throwing improve. I hope his back is OK...been reports he had some issues of late...and he gets his BAT working again. But he really hit a wall at AA. Meanwhile, Camargo has a much better CS % for his MILB career, and unlike Cartaya, his BAT began to take off when he reached AA. There's been a lot of comments about his poor 2024, but his 2022 was pretty solid, and his 2023 was quite good with an .826 OPS for St Paul. The Twins won't play him, for whatever reason, but he's been the #3 catcher for 2yrs and I've never heard anything negative about him. So what's going on there? KIDS: A lot of hope and faith that Rodriguez and Keaschall will debut by midseason. But I really hope the Twins bring both McCusker and Eeles in to ST for more than a casual look. McCusker is long and has a K issue, but he's also made a lot of improvement. And while Eeles may be short, he's really built solid and can run. And you can't ignore the bat to ball ability and plate discipline he's shown thus far. LATE BLOOMERS: I don't know what to expect from either Helman or Keirsey. They've done enough the past couple of seasons to indicate the ability is there. If they were each 2yrs younger would we be more excited about them? Considering their roles...4th OF and 7 positional super utility player and both with some pop and speed...what kind of OPS do they need to show to be viable options? If they would both OPS around .680-ish, and the league average was about .700, does that make them viable ML bench players/contributors? JOURNEYMEN: I'm not excited about Ford at all. Maybe he surprises. Gasper has some intrigue, and NOT because he can be an emergency catcher. He doesn't have speed and doesn't have much power. But if his bat to ball and good eye ability could translate to the ML level, he MIGHT have a shot as a PH/DH and part time 1B. He'd certainly provide a different look as a contact hitter.

I don't have a personal opinion about what statistic(s) are best used to measure a pen. One of the great things about baseball is how you can measure ANYTHING...and they do...but you can also disagree with which measurement really indicates what is the most true measurement. It can become a vicious circle. I guess I tend to look at WHIP a lot, and I do believe inherited runs scored has a firm place as well. But I also see where WAR and fWAR have their place. I think WPA is a nice tool as well. It would be great if someone had a formula where you could take about 5 of those tools and come out with an aggregate number. (Is there and I'm not recalling one?) I also like to look at a pitchers OPS against. But that can also be skewed. As to the pen AS CONSTRUCTED, and the focus of the pen as is, Duran's overall numbers and underlying numbers were still solid. He simply proved to be "human" in 2024. I've stated before, maybe his sequencing just needs a little adjustment. Maybe he just needs to take a little off his splinker if his FB is "only" 100mph instead of 102mph. I doubt there's a team in all of MLB that wouldn't take him in a heartbeat if they could. Same with Jax. I pushback somewhat on the idea of "defined roles". I don't entirely disagree, in theory. But a MLRP knows he has to be prepared almost every game to pitch when called upon. And I've had some issues with pen use by Rocco. But HIGH LEVERAGE positions are a real thing. And Duran and Jax are BOTH used in those spots. With little exception, either will be used in the 8th or 9th. There's no real mystery there. By the same token, a veteran middle man like Tonkin knows he's going in to the game in the middle innings, he's not being used in a late game HIGH LEVERAGE situation. Because a publication says the Twins have one of the best, or THE best pen on paper is THEIR opinion, and NOT TD, or the Twins saying they have the best. I think that's a distinction to remember as we discuss and prepare for 2025. But I see the logic. The depth of arms is pretty impressive, even if you don't like every option available. In point of fact, I think the "option game" might not even have the Twins open with what might be their best pen. EXAMPLE: Are the Twins really going to open the season with rule 5 pick Castellano eating up a roster spot as a seldom used innings eater in blowouts? Is that what a contending team does? Or do they send him back to the Phillies, or still work out a deal to keep him and farm him out? (I'd make a deal if they really like him that much if the cost is right). Does Henriquez show enough in ST to earn an initial roster spot because you wouldn't dare lose him, especially IF you're also stashing Castellano? So the pen is fluid right now, and that's not necessarily good or bad. Depth is GOOD, as long as you are keeping quality arms at the ML level and not keeping better arms stashed at AAA "just because" you want to build depth. Duran and Jax, stalwarts. The best arms we've got. Stewart is as good as both of those if healthy. Reportedly, he feels great after his cleanup procedure, but is slightly behind in his program. Plenty of time to be ready. Stewart for 50 IP is a game changer. I'd even settle for 40. I think by now we've ALL seen and generally agreed that Alcala has 1 IP dominance ability. IMO the excuse of "someone has to throw more than 1 inning" is poor, if not ridiculous, especially as the pen in constructed now. I understand injuries had an affect on his usage in 2024 to some degree, but I still blame his poor usage on Rocco to a degree. Allowed 1 IP, he's damn good as 6th-7th inning guy. Period. Sands showed progress in 2023. In 2024 he was EXCELLENT. He was so good, generally, especially in low BB totals, he could have some regression and still be trusted. Varland is a Wild Card who might not even make the opening day roster. And opinions on him are divisive I know. But I've watched this kid for 3 years now, as a SP and RP. And some want to point out a bad 2024 and seemingly refuse to look at everything else he's done. Even when he had poor rotation starts, he was usually good ONCE through the lineup, if not twice. Allowed to max out for 1-2 IP, he's got the stuff to be very affective. Topa and Tonkin are very much the same pitcher. Topa had ONE great season with Seattle after overcoming injuries. His SSSS late in 2024 he looked OK. Might he be a bridge arm in 2025 with his knee 100%? But with options, he MIGHT give way to Tonkin to begin next season. Why is everyone so down on Tonkin? After leaving MLB for Japan, he had a solid 2023 with the Braves. Despite bouncing around in 2024 to various teams...ALWAYS IMMEDIATELY picked up by someone else to fill a role, he was as good or better than he was in 2023. He's a rubber arm veteran for the middle innings who puts up solid numbers. He's a potentially perfect 8th man...as could be Topa...who's really only "disposable" because he's cheap and older and not a high leverage arm. I say again, if you have Tonkin and Topa available, and Varland might be as good or better as a 2 IP arm, why would the Twins keep Castellano on the roster? And BTW, you're also considering keeping Henriquez as a similar, younger pitcher with some upside. I'd rather have an all RH relief corp who has the ability to get LH batters out vs having another Okert LOOGY type option. Funderburk was my pick for most disappointing arm in 2024. The former starter had a solid 2023 where I thought he'd take a step forward. He didn't. And Thielbar seemed to hit a wall. I still think Funderburk has potential. Maybe he'll take a step forward in 2025. I sure hope so. I think Hendrick has a shot as a former starter to convert. And I think previous starter Nowlin has a chance to really surprise if the Twins convert him as a RP right away. But I sure wouldn't be opposed to adding a LHRP with the "extra" $5M they supposedly have available to spend. NOT going to talk about the possibilities of Canterino or Prielipp or Adams or other MILB arms, but Duran, Jax, Stewart, Alcala, Sands, Varland, Topa, Tonkin, Funderburk, Headrick, Henriquez and other possibles SHOULD make us feel really good about how the pen looks at the moment.

I'm going to hit on a couple points made here: 1] I fully embrace letting rookies play instead of a retread veteran that costs $M's of dollars and performs poorly. I am HOPEFULL that Martin turns a corner with the glove and bat in 2025. I'm HOPEFULL that either, or both, of Keirsey and Helman will finally get a chance to show if they can be solid, fairly productive bench players. I don't know that they CAN, but when your hands are tied financially, and you have "older" players who have performed at the AAA level that YOU drafted and developed to this point, you need to see what they can do. COUNTERPOINT: If you have a SPOT that appears empty, I don't think signing a veteran on a 1yr deal to fill that spot until your system can produce a ready replacement is a bad way to go. What COULD the Twins do with an extra $5M? There's still about 3 LHRP they could probably afford to sign to flesh out the pen: Coulombe, Chafin, and Poche. It's possible a veteran bat like Grichuk might take $5M-ish because nobody else is going to give him what he wants. He's a fairly split neutral RH bat who fills a SPOT on the roster, but isn't JUST a platoon bat. ONE YEAR potential fix for 2025. $5M extra to spend isn't going to have a huge impact on the 2025 Twins overall, but you might fill a spot. 2] What if Paddack was moved for all, or most all of his $7.5M to a team looking for depth, and the Twins are willing to roll with their young depth. Accurate or not, there have been rumors in the offseason that the Jay's want to move Yandy Diaz for prospects. He's owed about $12M in 2025 with a team option in 2026 for around $16M. A deal like this adds a solid bat to the team, helps "fix" anxiety over the 1B situation, and Miranda can STILL play 1B, as well as DH, and can still play some 3B here and there. I had heard previous rumors that maybe the Orioles wanted to move Mountcastle. If at all true, same situation as Diaz, but younger, still in arbitration, and not quite as good of a player, but the end result is similar. When the payroll is this tight, the extra $5M doesn't solve anything pertinent, but it might allow, or assist, in filling ONE SPOT on the roster that remains a question mark for 2025.

Willing to admit yet again I didn't understand the Keaschall pick. But boy was I wrong! He's athletic enough to play anywhere, and might be the perfect replacement for Castro in 2026 as the SUPER UTILITY player on the roster. Not directly as I'm not certain about SS/3B despite his college career at SS, but how well does his arm return after TJ? Athletic ability says he can play all over. The Twins put him at 1B and OF to protect his arm in 2024 knowing he needed surgery. So his defensive position(s) are a bit up in the air right now. If Lee takes over 2B full time it's a GOOD THING. If Miranda stays healthy and learns to play 1B well it's a GOOD THING. That DOESNT mean Keaschall isn't valuable. There's still enough IF's involved to see Keaschall as that SUPER UTILITY player. But he's also a potential full time 1B/2B depending on time and trades. I couldn't care less if his power didn't indicate he should be a 1B, if his defense and offense PLAYS, then I'd be OK if he replaced Miranda. JUST an example. His BAT and GAME looks like it plays. Festa's PURE STUFF outplays SWR on the surface. Supposedly, he's working hard on a curveball. If he can make that even a decent offering, or make it more of a sweeper, I think he jumps ahead of SWR, with all due respect, to take over the 4th spot in the rotation. Endurance and a 4th pitch makes him a top of the rotation SP, IMO. I expect Lee to take over 2B and not hit like he's GOING to. I'm expecting an AVG in the .250-.260 range with a solid OB and 14HR and 32 Dbls. The AVG and OB will get better. The doubles will jump. Not sure if the HR will ever be 20, but doubles will be there and the HR might jump to 18-ish. Is there a chance the pure ability to be super patient and under aggresive in AB that Rodriguez has shown can translate to the ML level with his power? He could be special if his contact and power ability and patience could work against a high K rate. I can't wait to see what he might do, but I expect a learning curve that might disappoint initially. But I can't wait to see him! Jenkins just needs to be healthy. PERIOD. He's the best pure talent since Buxton. And we shouldn't care if he debuts in 2025 or in 2026. He could be special.

Not YET. But he might be the most intriguing prospect in the system for 2025.

I appreciate the article. But simply, it's disjointed in the way it's presented. It's either players 25yo or younger for 2025, or those who don't turn 25yo until the season starts. Or players who are already "only" 25yo as the season starts. Not trying to pick on anyone or play fan editor, but if we're talking important players only 25yo or younger, Royce Lewis makes the list. He still won't turn 25yo until June. Love him or not, Julien doesn't "escape" 25yo status until the end of April. Sorry, but as a blogger, former English and journalism major/minor, and writer, CLARITY of intent should be made more obvious. Otherwise, this list becomes, potentially, a top 15-20. (Which might be even more interesting). As far as the players listed: Soto is someone i think could be special. The former SS has the build and length and pure potential stuff to be special. It's a long way to the top if you want to be a rock and roll singer...errr...MLB SP! But he's a quality, young kid with pure STUFF that has added pitches and K'd batters and had highs and lows as a 19yo at A ball. IMO, he's borderline untouchable for what he might be in a couple of years. Ignoring the rhetoric I and others have expoused here in the comments, where is 24yo Connor Prielipp? He's probably the most enigmatic prospect in the Twins system. But if his elbow is now RIGHT, he's lightening in a bottle that SHOULD have been included. Very impressed by what SWR did in 2024, increased velocity, much better slider. By his own admission, he lost his change a bit with his new delivery. He gets that under control, he takes a step forward. Matthews might be better, but we'll see how 2025 plays out. Same with Morris. Matthews followed a developmental path seldom seen. A rough ML debut earlier than it was supposed to happen shouldn't surprise or diminish what he did in 2024. And Moriss is just behind him. Culpepper reminds me of Keaschall. He wasn't necessarily what I wanted when draft time came. But what do I know? Culpepper...and i often dislike comparisons...seems to be Keaschall but a more PURE SS. Same potential with all the qualities of contact/AVG and some OB and pop/power and speed. Just maybe a better pure glove.

He was an OK but not great Sap in college. He was a decent/solid looking SP in AA in 2021. But he was never a top 10 Twins prospects, and I believe he was in the mid to latter tweens. He got unfairly blasted a bit, IMO, when he debuted for the Twins. The breaking ball looked good, but he was very inconsistent. He started to flash some in 2023. I never saw him doing what he did in 2024! The velocity is up...though it remains lower than others...and the control has REALLY come around. He's actually become a potential pen fixture that can be counted on. There's absolutely no reason to consider him as a SP any further, based on the arms available, and his pen transition. It's one thing, IMO, to have a former top arm fight control, or a 3rd pitch issue, and then possibly "find himself" and improve in a pen role and then MAYBE move back. It's a very different thing to have a mediocre SP go to the pen, find success, and then move them back with the expectation they'll be as good, or nearly as good, throwing 90 pitches and facing a lineup a third time, or even a second time. Jax is where he should be. Sands is where he should be. And Varland is probably going to be in the pen, which is where he should be. A top arm in the pen in today's game is worth as much, if not more, than a mediocre back of the rotation arm.

So Garver would start over Jeffers in this scenario? Larnach, Wallner, Helman, and Keirsey are in no man's land while Gordon is a prime 4th OF? I'm extremely puzzled by this, unless jt was designed to be ridiculous and invite debate? BTW, that pen doesn't look bad at all. That team, as listed, is put together very poorly.

What i saw in 2024 was an average 3B. Personal opinion and the number of games I watched. Regardless, if the work he put in to be an average 3B...or less in your opinion...could be put in to 1B, I'd like to think he could be a solid 1B. There's a lot of subtleties like knowing what to cover and when, but scooping the damn ball is #1. If he can do that and hit like he's shown he can, I'm OK with the rest of his game being a work in progress. Baseball gods help me, I'm still waiting for the next Morneau at 1B. Maybe the athletic and talented Keaschall? Maybe Keaschall moves Lee or someone else to 1B? Or does Miranda stay healthy, develop his glove and build on the offense we've already seen?

Power PLAYS! OB % PLAYS! And neither of these are new concepts! And the Twins aren't bad in either of these categories. The problem has been consistency and situational hitting. Nobody has ever "called out" anyone, but there have been allusions concerning hitting approaches game by game that the previous staff supposedly put in place and weren't always carried out. Is that blame on the strategies in place? The players not following the strategies in place? Maybe a lack of adjustments in game? We're on the outside looking in, so I don't think we really know for sure. TOTAL run production has the Twins very high the past few seasons. The problem has been too many games where they score 8, and then lose too many 1 run losses. FAR too many games with runners on 3rd and 2nd and 1 or 0 outs and a simple sacrifice fly could have scored a run. No idea who's at "fault" but it is interesting that they did change the hitting coaches. That they did so to "cover" Rocco as an excuse is ridiculous. The FO could easily "balme" him and ushered him out as they did Molitor. They're looking for a different voice to make changes in approach in regard to situational hitting, maybe different mid game strategies. In 2023, the offense was terribly inconsistent and lead the team to a .500 record mid season. Better production and production from some young prospects propelled the team to a playoff appearance. The offense in early 2024 was putrid, then really good for about 4+ months, then the whole team melted down the last 6 weeks. But can we just stop with blaming Rocco for every bad thing that happens? Look, I'm not his biggest fan! I have debated some pen moments and usage. I've disagreed with too heavy of a PH and too heavy of a platoon strategy, but he's not responsible for injuries or rookie pitchers hitting a wall or players suddenly forgetting how to hit. Rocco has been on record stating in 2019 and 2020 he almost had to do nothing but write out a lineup. After that, he had to start making decisions. All very tongue in cheek to be sure. Again, I'm not his biggest fan. I think he's a pretty good manager overall, but I have issues with some of his choices the past few seasons. But him RECOGNIZING and ACCEPTING changes need to be made tells me he's intelligent enough to recognize these things. The Twins aren't going to suddenly be a running, SB team. They aren't going to suddenly be a bunt/sacrificing team. (HINT, the whole BUNT thing is ONLY situational, and history has proven that). But a new staff might just either communicate better, or make better in game adjustments than the previous staff. They might, for example, figure out how Julien can still be a patient hitter, but also be more aggressive and hit or foul of breaking pitches until he finds something he likes. (Kinda like Larnach). If new owners want to move on from Rocco, I don't have a problem with that. But Rocco recognizing some changes have to be made, and a new set of coaching staff in place to find a different direction, even if it's subtle changes, are all positives heading in to 2025. Of course, a healthy Lewis and Correa makes a difference as well. But let's not quibble about having your best players available.

I don't disagree. But I think it's as simple as Lewis has the ability to be a very good 3B, who just needs to overcome the weird throwing action he developed last season. He seems to have a little better arm than Lee. Considering he played so much 3B in HS, and then transitioned to SS his senior year, and primarily played SS as a MILB, I'm still a little confused how he developed that "trouble" in his arm angle/throws. I think he'll be just fine. But I see no reason why he shouldn't keep working some at 2B for no other reason than late game moves that MIGHT require/allow him to play there. Miranda has improved enough at 3B to be ML average there, IMO. So you simply increase your flexibility in the INF. I think it also makes sense simply because there are more options to play 2B with Lee, Julien, Martin, Eeles, and Keaschall. IMO, 2B is reserved for Lee if he can put his rookie season behind him and just be the hitter we/everyone believes he can be. (Opinions vary, but even his floor is expected to be solid). I stubbornly refuse to believe that Eeles isn't a potential ML ballplayer, but he's still in a "prove it again" cycle that I understand. Keaschall could replace Castro as a SUPER UTILITY player, OR take over 2B if Lee falters...I don't think that will happen...OR potentially take over 1B. I won't dismiss Julien after one bad season. MAYBE he was a flash in the pan hopeful prospect. He hit in college, he hit in MILB, and he hit as a rookie in 2023. He also made great improvements as a defender in 2023. He suddenly lost the ability to hit or play defense in 2024, but I'm betting the long game with him. I'm betting he becomes a 1B/2B/DH rotational/regular lineup player. But he has to turn it around in 2025 or he might be pushed aside. I'm just not sure I see Martin as an answer at 2B, but it's probably his best position on the dirt. I see him as an OF who CAN play 2B. I think he's best as a utility player who primary covers the OF, but I'm just not sure the instincts are there. Just too many bad reads when I watched him last season. Unless he makes major improvements with his bat, and defense, I'd rather see him at St Paul to begin 2025. The kid has talent, and I know he was only a rookie in 2024, but he just looked lost to me at times. But I'm also not ready to dismiss him yet either.

All 3 interviews are fantastic!

Kwesi has done a good job managing the roster as whole, and did a tremendous job in FA last offseason. His drafts have been AWFUL to better each of his 3 seasons. His UDFA signings have been almost as successful as the drafts. (YES, I recognize is scouts and not JUST Kwesi). I'm not IN on keeping Ingram as a backup G. I'm still pi**ed that they didn't keep the young G in camp last year, Robinson I believe, that "almost" made the initial roster. He impressed the HELL out of me in preseason to the point I thought he should not only be kept, but maybe given an opportunity to push Ingram for the starting spot. Alas, someone signed him off the practice squad. As bad as Ingram has been, I'd wager a 5th round pick or smaller FA signing would be better. I've had arguements with one of my sons that IN NO WAY should the Vikings spend their 1st round pick on an IOL! But then I mention how incredible McDaniel was for us at G, and the CENTER position being so good for DECADES before recent poor performances. I'm IGNORING any draft options pending FA, and any sort of Donaldson sign and trade options. Just too many wheels turning to do so. My FIRST priorities are bringing Bynum and Murphy back. Next is another CB, then a DL and OL. There's a decent chance FA and re-signs MIGHT take care of that. But it's a mixed bag. IF they sign TWO OL, then maybe CB is the top draft priority. And I'd be happy to bring back Jones on a similar $7M 1 year deal and draft a young RB to work with him before the younger player takes over. Does a 30yo + RB really have a market? I'm really excited about the future of this team. But 2025 is SO DEPENDENT on FA and any possible Darnold sign and trade for extra picks that the only thing I'm looking at RIGHT NOW, is a few re-worked deals to add to the FA $, and who they sign. THEN I'll start to focus on the draft and how many picks they have. It's POSSIBLE they get everything they need and want in ONE offseason. I've just always thought they were on a 2 year cycle with a young QB and talent on hand and financial flexibility. The problem is other teams are also in place when it comes to FA.

I'm sorry, but what? The defense is fine except for Martin and Eeles? Is that what you are saying? Martin had a couple good plays at 2B last season, some questionable ones, but mostly played OF where he again made a couple good plays, but was average to very poor in others. Eeles hasn't even had a ML shot yet, and we have no clue as to how good or average to poor he might be. But there have been reports he has worked very hard to be the best he can be from his MILB coaches. I've offered him up as a possible 2B option among many. So what exactly are you saying?

Natural athletes don't have things/handicaps to overcome? Have I quoted you accurately? If I have, many is the college athlete, even high "star" talents who are great athletes who never become great players. Many great athletes are selected in the MLB draft, or signed as international FA, who never turn out to be ML players. SOME have limited athletic ability when it comes to PRO sports, but work their tail off to become something. Arraez would be an example. But being a great athlete doesn't mean you will make it, or have a long career, much less be a difference maker. Martin reaching MLB is a success in doing so. But just being a great athlete doesn't mean you find success. While I have hope Martin will figure something out to be a competent hitter and defender, and allowing for him being a rookie and a weird development curve that more than a few prospects had "around" the lost 2020 covid season, he really hasn't shown anything thus far but brief glimpses as to any kind of BAT performer. And his potential defense has been suspect at best so far. I recall when he had about a 1/3-1/2 season of hitting success in 2023 at AAA where a lot of posters had him penciled is as a major contributor for 2024. I never understood that. I don't dislike the kid, I don't wish ill will to the kid, and I wish his athleticism would allow him to raise his offense and defense up another level or two and surprise the hell out of us in 2025. But just being athletic doesn't mean you can play ML defense or hit at that level. Or did I misundstand your comment?

Some guys have awareness and/or instincts and some don't. Correa, for instance, has amazing instincts. Some guys don't have it. A great athlete doesn't necessarily have good instincts.

The Padres are in a major conflict in regard to ownership, but they're also in a weird place...especially with a number of big contracts...where they want/need to add at spots, but also want to lower payroll. So I don't know if they're ripe for "picking" or so mixed up that trades are going to be tough. Vazquez is reportedly of real interest to them to lead their staff. Cease came up in conversation. That doesn't mean the Padres are really interested in trading him. While it won't be popular with some, my opinion is a NO on making a move for Cease. If this was the offseason between 2025-2026 I would have a different opinion, probably. I like the current team, overall, despite weak/questionable depth. The rotation and depth of talent is pretty damn good. The pen looks good. But a more consistent offense from what's on hand, maybe adding another bat, is more important than another starter who will cost talent, and might be "wasted" for his ONE SEASON if the offense doesn't come through. Seattle comes to mind. I understand looking forward is hard because you fall in to a trap of "next season" if you aren't careful. But this time NEXT YEAR has a much better idea of just how good/ready Rodriguez and Keaschall might be, how good/close Jenkins might be, and how good Lee, Miranda, Julien, and others might be. That, IMO, might be when Larnach and others might be moved. It's where it's easier to move arms from the current AAA and AA "logjam" and below to move for help. While an imperfect team, I mostly like the current version of our Twins. I think they are a division winning team and playoff team. AGAIN, not a perfect team and I want more. But I just don't see a 1 year deal for Cease, and what it would cost, for the losses of 2026 and beyond. If I had a crystal ball that revealed Lewis is ready to go for 140 games, Larnach and Wallner keep doing what they've been doing, Lee takes over 2B, Miranda is 100% and plays 140 games, the bench is OK instead of being poor, I'd probably change my mind on trading for Cease. But they'd still want a couple of those players and not just prospects. And that doesn't mesh with what the Padres need and want. Cease isn't going to happen. I'm not even sure he's really on the table. And he's not what the Twins need until a few spots/players/prospects are set/settled. A "Cease" pitcher move next offseason might make sense as this team might need that one great arm to push them over the top. Of course, it's POSSIBLE Lopez, Ober, Ryan, Festa, SWR, Matthews, Morris, Lewis, Raya, etc, MIGHT change that perspective as well.

I hear ya. The FO, Rocco, and the coaches have forgotten more than most of ever know about MLB, or baseball in general. But once in a while something seems so OBVIOUS that you have to scratch your head and wonder what's going on? Using Martin specifically...and I'm NOT picking on the kid...were they just mistaken about how easily he could move to the OF? By the time of your visit to the AFL, shouldn't they have realized SS wasn't in his future and moved him to the OF? Or maybe spend the majority of his time at 2B/3B? Did they really think more time at SS would help him at 2B/3B? It does make one wonder sometimes.