DocBauer

I am SO excited for Em Rod, disappointed so much in his ongoing injury this season, hopeful for a big 2025, but still cautious about a plate approach nobody seems to be able to put a finger on. He could be a washout, a good player, or a star. Why do I keep getting "Knoblauch vibes" in regard to Eeles?

As a reminder, I work for a computations company. Not the biggest like Comcast, or Time Warner, but big enough to matter. The cable cutting is very real, and growing weekly, monthly, etc. Smaller companies across the country have already dropped TV service to their customers, or have advised them to seak alternatives by the end of this year, or early next year. I brought this up early in the year, and offseason after cost cutting announcements, because it's real. It's entirely possible the MAJOR markets such as LA, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and even NY, will also be pinched in the future. But for the NOW, they have enough of a population base that they may not be affected substantially for at least a few years. I'm NOT excusing Twins ownership from ADVANCING payroll year to year before the inexcusable bombshell of lowering payroll this season, and completely BLOWING viewership across the Midwest and alienating and basically pissing off a huge chunk of their fan base. And im also NOT patting myself on the back for being an oracle of "what is to come". But I've said before, and agree with the OP, that there is a financial reckoning coming for MLB. I don't want baseball to decline, much less die. But as much as the Twins are going to be squeezed by the whole Bally debacle, and the impending changes, it's potentially worse for other teams. I believe the Rangers were getting something like $65-70M from Bally/Diamond Vision? Well, that's now gone or close to being gone. And I'm NOT feeling sorry or have empathy for $B owners who NEVER open their books...other than the Braves and the Jay's due to being publicly owned and being forced to...who look at profit in what is almost certainly a very small portion of their enterprises by owning an ENTERTAINMENT franchise like a MLB team. I excuse none of them. But when the Golden Goose suddenly passes away, there is going to be a major shift in how EVERYTHING works in MLB. It began in 2023, increased in 2024, will gain momentum, and will only be heavier in 2026 and beyond. What has CONTINUED to frustrate and confuse me to exasperation the past few years is that NEITHER the MLBPA OR MLB ownership has EVER been progressive or smart enough to recognize what is and has been happening! Is it just "tradition" going back to mid 20th century that baseball owners should grapple for the last remaining $ available on a yearly basis? I mean, teams have changed ownership multiple times over the decades, but their remains a foul stench of obtuseness to me. And the union...despite some recent changes to assist MILB in $ and benefits...has still been more concerned about escalating salaries for STAR players and less concerned about the rank and file players. Meanwhile, the NFL, decades ago the 2nd child of professional sports, created an even financial platform the last 20-30 years...with different FA tweaks...to assure that every organization had an even playing field in regard to what was on the field. NOT PROFITS! There's still enough local broadcasting and merchandise sales, and home ticket sales, etc, to make as much $ as possible. But the ON THE FIELD TEAM has a minimum and maximum to adhere to. (The NBA is similar, but they also have a couple loopholes here and there for teams to play with). Basically, every NFL team has to play on the same field, pun only partially intended. And it's up to ownership, the FO, and the coaches on the field to build the best team you can. If you stink at it, you stink. If you do good, you win. If you do either consistently, we'll, you're consistent either way. But it ALSO allows teams to make changes, make moves, make turnarounds, and suddenly be relevant again. As has been pointed out by others, MLB has guaranteed contracts. The NFL does not. But as also pointed out, more and more, the NFL is guaranteeing percentages of contracts. Again, what's baffling to me is that neither side of ownership and the MLBPA seem to be able to recognize that the world they WANT to embrace just doesn't exist any longer. It's actually quite likely there will be legal action in the near future from the union as to collusion of the owners suddenly holding down salaries since for MOST teams they are going to see a RAPID reduction in viewership income UNTIL/UNLESS streaming services start to "pick up the bill". But that's going to take time. MAYBE that FORCES MLB owners to finally open their books. Maybe not. But even if they do, it doesn't change the financial fact that the world and the viewership world is changing fast and drastically. Yes, I'm being long winded, but all of this is a reality coming to a ballpark near you SOON. In the next 2 years, or less, you will see litigation from the players union for collusion that might not swept under the rug again. What BOTH SIDES could do is FINALLY sit down and HONESTLY put forth a plan where revenue sharing is UNIVERSAL. The 5 or 6 top market teams will BALK at that initially, UNTIL/UNLESS they realize they would be facing a potential year long strike, as well as time spent in Congress debates. At that point, each side...baseball gods be praised...will decide a floor, and a cap, like the NFL, will make sense for EVERYONE, rather than see MLB torn down. AT THAT POINT, teams will have a 3-5 year time frame to "grace in" existing contracts on the books to comply with the new parameters. From then on, every team, similar to the NFL format, will have an equitable chance to compete based on how well they run their organization. And the league, as a whole, will HOPEFULLY, build up the league as a WHOLE for public fan support and viewership. And EVERY team, like the NFL, will still have opportunities to make as much $ as they can from merchandising and every other advertising format and stadium naming and other options as they can. This MIGHT sound long range, but it's not. There is a major change coming to MLB whether we like it or not. The question remains, are the parties involved smart enough to figure it out before it's too late?

Discussing the Twins MILB system is always a favorite topic of mine. I really this end of the year segment BECAUSE it's not a prospect list, but rather it's just interesting to see who had the best season regardless of being a top prospect or not. It's really interesting to look back on the past years and see who, obviously, didn't make it, and those that ultimately did. There's some pretty good players on previous lists that turned out well, even if they aren't with the Twins. Obviously, there ARE some of the Twins top prospects on this season's list. And there's a trio in Keirsey, McCusker, and Eeles who have some rather obvious questions that need to be answered, but who might turn in to decent ballplayers. Will Keirsey get a REAL SHOT in 2025 to back up Buxton, and the corners, and provide defense and speed on the bases? Right now, I'd rather see him than Martin, and not more Margot types. Can McCusker reign in his K's enough, make enough contact, that could allow him to be a RH power bat for the corner spots and DH at some point? Is Eeles a really good story, or, is he a Pedroia/Altuve "type" that really is too good to not make it? And then you have a young A ball trio in Cespedes, Olivar, and Winokur that have a long way to go, but are all worth watching to see what happens. If Olivar keeps hitting, can he play enough defense to make it as a catcher? Cespedes isn't a teenager any longer, has really started to produce, but can he take it to another level in 2025? And while I don't know if Winokur can stick at SS long term, he is SUCH an intriguing mix of size, strength, and speed at such a young age...coming off a really good 1st full season...that he's got to be one of the more interesting/fascinating players in the system. Can't wait to get to the pitching side of things! *NOTE* I appreciate Eeles has a single pro season. And there should naturally be some skepticism regarding such a rapid rise coming out of seemingly nowhere, and his lack of height...though he's got a solid frame...certainly has to affect projection, and probably kept him from being drafted. I'm pleased that MLB ranks him currently 30 in the Twins system. And that's probably fair all things considered. He's in that gray area of "do it again". However, despite begining his career at a lower level, if feel it's prudent to recognize his last season was at Coastal Carolina, which is not exactly a poor program these days. And at CC, he was pretty much the same player he had always been previously. He might just be better than a "good story".

Just a few comments about some of them: 1} Keirsey: I'm just blown away by the FO opinion on him considering they drafted him, and drafted him high. Why should it matter if he battled injuries his first couple of years, missed covid, but then began to really hit his stride and play great as a 26yo? He blew away AA in 2023 before finishing solid, but not quite as well, at AAA. This season, except for a brief injury and some "get right" time, he absolutely raked. But the Twins kept running poor defenders like Martin and Margot out to CF why? Because they hit RH and the Twins needed their RH bats for 25% of the time and were willing to live with poor defense in a key spot? I just get so frustrated when I see player value going to waste. To have a player develop later than originally hoped for due to a couple tough seasons physically, then covid, and then to just ignore what it looks like he's become because of age or handidness is roster and asset malpractice IMO. I have him penciled on to my early 2025 roster as a spare OF, primary back up to Buxton, PR, and hopefully decent/acceptable LH bat. 2} McCusker: He simply may not make enough contact to ever be viable at the ML level. The one time Brewer draftee didn't cut it initially, but really seemed to develop in the Independent Leagues. And so far, with the Twins, he's developed/exploded to the point where he finished the season wrecking AAA pitching. The Twins have a real need for a corner RH OF bat...with Keirsey as my early backup CF option...and while McCusker may earn/force his way on to the roster at some point, I have a hard time looking at some of his contact issues and considering him a prime candidate for a roster spot to open 2025. Later in the season? He's a great story, and he might surprise everyone, but I can't see the Twins not looking for a more proven option. 3} Eeles: I don't have as many misgivings about Eeles, however, despite also being a wonderful story of being found in Independent Ball. He's younger, and his overall HIT ability and contact are very different/better. He won't turn 25yo for a few days yet, making him pretty much age appropriate for the AAA level. He was so good this season that he even skipped AA entirely. He HIT, made contact, took BB, and sprayed various XB hits (39) all over the ballpark at all 3 levels he played at. He also provided speed and SB ability. I'm not saying he should be the favorite to go in to ST and win the 2B job and be a catalyst for the lineup next season...but...I am saying I think he's a real prospect and just might be part of the equation in 2025 and beyond, even if it's not from day one. 4} Keaschall: Being 100% to begin next season...and he's supposed to be...and with a repaired elbow that should help him in the field, I think he nudges Martin out of the picture at some point. I haven't given up on Martin by any means, and I know he was a rookie last year, but other than a couple weeks of flash, I found his offense and defense both disappointing. Keaschall plays the same positions, and perhaps a couple more. And the bat looks legitimate, plus he has a speed component. Therefore, I see him as moving past Martin fairly soon if Martin doesn't take a large step forward.

Nick, I LOVE your work. And I think you're close here, but I will disagree slightly here and there. BUXTON: He was slow early despite a few good games. Then he got RIGHT again...it takes time to "get right" when you've been hurt and missed so much time...before missing more time. But I personally object to those who are in angst to Byron ONLY playing 100 games. Playing 100 games in CF was HUGE coming off a MINOR second surgery that freed him up to do what he did this season. TD residential physical therapist Lucas Seehafer has stated that recovery from injuries may, and often do, affect other areas of the body that compensated for the previous injury. Buck's issue this year was a reoccurrence of a hip issue, probably as a result of his now cleaned up knee injury. Unless his hip has turned in to a chronic issue, we might see more games next year. I suppose a "B" grade might be fair due to a bad early season, but I might go a little higher. CASTRO: I think he's a keeper. A bad back and playing every day hurt his overall numbers. He just shouldn't have been expected to play every day, but he was out there. His "B" is fair, but skewed by team need daily. JEFFERS and VAZQUEZ is wrong, overall, IMO. As a long standing champion of Jeffers, he really disappointed me this season with his bat suddenly going cold at times. I REALLY thought he had gotten his bat on track. And other than a couple months when he got hot, Vazquez was even worse than 2023. But the overall game calling and defense was still there for the duo. And when you reflect on their TOTAL PRODUCTION from the catcher position you get an OVERALL of 32 DBLS, 28 HR, and 91 RBI. Yes, SOME of that production included Jeffers at DH, but it wasn't to any great degree. As disappointing as both were, the TOTAL production is EXCELLENT for a catching duo. As a combo, overall, and bats that were usually at the bottom of the order...understanding both on a hot streak batted higher...their collective should be a much higher grade. ASIDE: If Jeffers actually FIGURES it out for good, he could be one of the best overall catchers in MLB! JULIEN probably deserves his "F" grade. A low "D" at best. He suddenly went from a TREMENDOUS EYE batter batter with some BB and power ability to nothing. Even his vastly improved defense suffered. There's still a good bat and good ML player in there somewhere, but SOMETHING got messed up in his head. LARNACH as a B+ is accurate. He's gone from a top 100 prospect with injuries and illness to a potential washout to a guy who suddenly started to figure it out and start to "figuring it out" this season, despite fighting turf toe and a late leg injury. He MIGHT just be on the precipice of taking the next step and building on this season. The approach we've been seeing is kind of what we've been expecting. His opposite field power is obvious. There's hope the pull power will kick in one of these days. If he can continue down the path he's on right now, he might be an "A" hitter in 2025. LEWIS has all of the talent in the world! Unfortunately, he might be a victim of his confidence of "i don't due slumps" for a while, in some people's mind. And that would be a shame. He's just so damned talented, and has already established a performance threshold of early excellence, that the public and himself are expect excellence always. I think WE, and himself, expect too much at times. He's just needing experience to adjust. As great as he's been, we forget all the time he's lost previously in development. His "C" grade is fair for 2024. I disagree with a D grade for Lee. I'd give him an INCOMPLETE for 2024. A back injury. RAKING at AAA, looking like a stud early upon promotion, then having a shoulder injury, and then coming back and being poor shouldn't give him any sort of real grade. IMO the defense plays at SS, and is even better at 2B and 3B. The talent and work ethic are there. The bat WILL PLAY eventually, though I'm not sure if it's more HR power, or doubles power, combined with a good AVG and OB ability, etc. But more time should be allowed. Again, he's INCOMPLETE in my mind. MARTIN as a "D" is perfect IMO. He had a hot streak at one point, but other than a couple good plays here and there, he was below average defensively at ALL positions. He wasn't strong offensively against either side of arms. I NEVER thought he was going to be a major contributor after a half season of AAA ball in 2023, but I had hopes. And maybe he'll put in the offseason work as a hitter AND a fielder to make a difference for 2025. But at times, honestly, logic escaped me why the Twins didn't give the older Helman a shot to see if he'd be a better option? And I'm also starting to think a healthy Keaschall might not just bump Martin aside sometime next season. NOT SAYING Martin doesn't have some talent, but at some point that talent needs to step forward. MIRANDA was a lost cause in 2023. A healthy Miranda regained satus this year. Then he got hurt again and was OK, but not great suddenly. How can he swing this much? Bad luck? Or is he another Kepler where everything just WORKS when he's healthy but goes to pot when he's dinged up a bit? Man, if he's grown as a player with experience and talent that he's shown, and can overcome, you'd like to place him as a primary bat, mostly at 1B probably for next season, but he does, unfortunately, come in as a talented question mark. I agree with Wallner as a B+ overall. If we examine Wallner from his promotion in 2024, and what he did in 2023, DESPITE the really bad early season numbers we saw in a limited number of AB this kid looks like not only a keeper, but a potential stud for years to come. (Even for those who despise high K rate players) over a fairly brief appearance in 2022, his COMBINED quad slash line in MLB, including his poor, but limited early 2024, is: .251/ .366/ .500/ .866 That's ALL STAR kind of numbers overall a full season, which he hasn't done for a full 162 games so far. And regression will probably settle in at some point. But then again, their is also progression due to experience and development. So it's safe to say, IMO, Wallner is either a really nice player, OR, potentially, a potential All Star player. I'm not going to agree or disagree in nature about Correa. Offense and defense he was an "A" or "B" if you want to include injury. His defense and offense was a good as ever when healthy. He's only a downgrade due to injury, IMO. Just a shame he was on track for one of his best seasons ever before PF hit him hard. YES, despite having a Nike deal for shoes, he changed to some New Balance cleats that made his feet feel better. That ultimately might cost him $M. But somehow, Nike, his sponsor, couldn't figure out a shoe that worked for him. That speaks a lot about Correa in my opinion. Correa might be a "B" overall for Nick, but I'm an "A" for production when healthy and attitude to get right trying to salvage the season.

Even if we leave Dobnak out of the equation...and he's still under contract...or decide to add another veteran depth option...which is usual for most teams/years...there's also still the possibilities of Headrick, Nowlin, and Raya. Now, I believe Headrick is going to the pen, hopefully adding a cutter or sweeper to his repertoire, and will have a real shot at the Twins pen next season. He's got the stuff to be a good addition there. I'm not certain if they are going to do the same with Nowlin at this point, or keep him in the rotation to begin 2025. Now, Raya got brought up for a single start, and it was excellent. And I think the training wheels are going to be off with a career high of IP and being fully healthy in 2024, but I expect him to BEGIN the season back at AA due to AAA depth if nothing else. The point being I agree that the depth at AAA is even deeper than what you mentioned! Good chance AA is also going to be almost as good, if not as good as, just younger and a step down. I think Paddack IS a 50-50% chance of being traded. There's a good chance Paddack, a full year and a half removed from his 2nd TJ surgery, will find more consistent velocity, and more consistency in general. And at only $7.5M, and better expectations ahead, I can see him being kept for depth. That means the top 5 starters, with SWR, are kept intact and ALL the young arms are kept in "reserve" to begin the season. That provides "loss prevention" in case someone is hurt, or sudden, unexpected regression for SWR. That makes some sense. HOWEVER, Paddack ONLY costing $7.5M and having positive progression, also means he might be of great interest to other teams as a trade target to fill up a rotation elsewhere. Potentially, he adds a prospect or two, OR, a solid bat or pen option to the Twins roster, and creates opportunity for one of the young arms to begin the season in the rotation. I disagree that moving ANY of the Twins young pitchers would be included in a move for another SP. Simple math says the Twins will be limited in payroll additions for 2025. So why would they trade a young, talented, controllable arm to another team for another young, controllable arm? It doesn't make sense. Because that's the only SP option the Twins would be adding. IF Paddack is moved, it's either to add someone to the Twins roster that fills another spot, OR, and salary dump to sign someone else to the roster, OR, a combination of both.

I believe his COMPLETE ERA is a little higher because of a single fill in start for St Paul, but I agree he should have been included somewhere on the list. His BB were high at 4.5/9, but 7.2 H/9 and 10.4 K/9 were excellent. The depth of options at AAA and just a need to continue to polish himself probably puts him at AA to begin 2025. And while he's already 24yo...not exactly ancient...he lost 2 seasons due to recovery from surgery and covid. All the more reason to be excited about his potential? He should have been on the list somewhere.

Some interesting points made. My $.05 worth: 1] PH is a fine tactic to have, and use. And having a couple "platoon" bats available at certain spots makes sense. BUT A) you can't fall as often in to the trap of PH too early in the game. That leaves you WITHOUT key bats you've already removed from the game in the late innings, and B) ALL of the 13 position players should be ABLE to solid ball and hit the ball with some degree of success, even against same side pitching. I fully recognize the long standing issues of LH bats performing, generally, much poorer against LH arms. It's just a fact. But it's silly to build your lineup in such a way that you have RH bats on your bench that are only successful against LH pitching and lousy against RH arms. You're OVER PLAYING your roster to 20-25% of that split. And at times...witness Margot this season...there are going to be times when your "lefty smashers" are going to be pressed in to greater than "expected" duty. You've cut off your nose to spite your face. Let's assume, for a moment, that someone like Keirsey could hit well enough at the ML level in 2025 to be a legitimate backup CF for Buxton, as well as the corner spots, and be a valuable PR as well. Not saying he's great, or a difference maker, just a solid, not embarrassing performer. But you still want/need another RH OF bat. Then sign or trade for a decent corner RH OF who can at least keep his OPS somewhere CLOSE to the league average. I mean, would a .670 OPS be that awful? Beats the hell out of something in the high .500's or low .600's. Nobody that's a stud, or a star, or an expensive, daily starter...just a good bat against LH pitching who's competent against RH pitching. 2] I fully embrace positional flexibility for the roster. But I think some get in an unnecessary tizzy about this approach. Baseball has ALWAYS embraced positional flexibility. Traditionally, they have been called a 4th OF and UTILITY player. But when you have a 13 man roster, you need to have such flexibility at times. Catchers are catchers. Correa is THE SS. Lewis plays 3B because Correa is at SS and he's just not a great SS any longer. But if Lewis can play 2B once in a while, and he should be able to do so, that's flexibility due to injuries, days off, or late game moves, etc. Miranda has improved his 3B defense, and shows some potential at 1B as well. Nobody is asking him to play 2B/SS/OF. Nobody is asking Wallner or Larnach to play CF, just both corner spots. Part of what makes Castro so valuable is not just because he's a good offensive player, but because he can help virtually everywhere. Seemingly forever, and for various reasons, MILB players usually play more than a single spot. That's so everyone can play, better prospects can be in the lineup daily even at different locations, and sometimes a top prospect might end up moving to a different spot at the ML level simply because they are blocked by a top player, and/or because there's opportunity elsewhere. Lee...once his bat comes around...is a prime example. He's a solid SS, but an even better 2B and 3B it appears. There's a lot of really good ML players past and present from other teams that have been successful playing more than a single spot. I embrace the Twins philosophy of positional flexibility. I think much too much has been made of this when injuries have created a couple of unintended scrambles. But I will admit to seeing a little too much in the way of general lapses in the field, or on the basepaths, that I think need to be cleaned up. Rookies and young players almost undoubtedly will make more mistakes than veteran players. But I'd like to see a little more emphasis placed on the general fundamentals. 3] I think the farm system is in great shape! It's filled with solid depth, some high ceiling players, and the best pitching depth I can remember in maybe decades. And some has already begun to arrive, or are getting really close. The FO, lead by Falvey/Levive has done a great job finding that young talent, and putting in a system to cater to each player's development. My only caveat being the previously mentioned wish for a little more work on basic fundamentals. 4] I think Falvey/Levine have generally done a good job recognizing under the radar talent and brining it in successfully. Castro is a great example. Taylor for 1 season was a good and smart move. They've added some solid relievers in their time, whether for 1yr, or more than that, such as Wisler or Stewart, as just a couple of examples. And they've also wiffed a couple of times such as letting Hoffman walk to the Phillies, and the solid-not great Coulombe being let go for nothing when he could have been useful. Financial restraints make this part of the job difficult, but necessary. They bottomed out on about 6 arms this past season. But if Duarte doesn't suddenly throw out his arm early, Topa doesn't injur his knee in ST, and Stewart had been available for 40-50 IP this year, the pen might have been a bit different this season. They've been OK to solid on low budget moves, but need to self scout a little better. That includes a handful of existing AAA position players that maybe should have gotten better and earlier shots at some point when injuries affected the ML club. 5] I'm giving the FO a partial pass for the past two deadlines. I don't think getting burned in 2022 has made them scared. I think being a mid market team, and with the changes made to the playoff format, there are fewer teams looking to trade the past couple of seasons, and the cost of acquiring deadline talent has gotten almost uncomfortably high. I think they do better in offseason moves, generally, and if the budget doesn't allow taking on salaries, that makes the prospect capital for a deadline deal that much more costly. So again, I give them a partial pass for the past two deadlines. Being just a little smarter...maybe 2 guys on bigger deals instead of 4 on lower deals for example...is a smarter way to go. Better internal scouting, again, can help build the team just a notch better/higher to begin the season. 6] The FO allowing a decent payroll, breaking even, being willing to take a loss of a few $M for a team that is part of the entertainment industry and would be something like a .05% of a multi $B family/corporation would sure make the FO job a lot easier. And while that is a different discussion, it's part of #7... 7] Does Falvey...and Levine...WANT to be part of the organization and stick around? I can see Levine being interested in being the #1 guy elsewhere. It's about growing in his career, and a new challenge, and putting his personal stamp on a team. But despite honestly deserved criticism of payroll cuts and blown telecast options and creating a poor association for fans, they hold well paying jobs that only 58 other men in the world hold. They're relatively well compensated, have had success, and seem to genuinely enjoy being part of the Twins, Minnesota, and their community. And there are certainly worse ownership groups and more stressful locations they could be working for and at. And other than some poor issues and recent developments already mentioned, I get the impression the FO is largely "hands off" in regard to ownership. I'd be surprised if Falvey wanted out at this time. I can understand if he would decide to, but I get the general impression he and his family are happy where they are. And I don't mean to say Levine is unhappy or wants out. He also might want to stay. I can just see him being tempted by an opportunity to sit in the #1 chair somewhere. I don't always agree with everything they do. But I like most of the job they've done since day #1. And no offense to the dedicated and cherished Terry Ryan, but they've done a great job bringing the Twins organization in to the 21st Century. I hope both stick around.

Another thread, another day. I raise a toast to 2024 until mid August where I was having FUN as a fan. And I'm going to STOP there! ALWAYS an optimist, I'm HONESTLY excited about 2025 more than I was for this past season. I really and truly think the 2025 Twins are going to be better, and deeper, than 2024. ESPECIALLY if ownership doesn't do anything stupid! There's SO MUCH to like and SO MUCH hanging on the fringes to make a difference. HOPEFULLY, the pockets of ownership is loose enough to add even a little. And I'm stopping there. Wrong time and place.

I like to think I'm pretty tempered in my thoughts/feelings/opinions. I was having a discussion with my dad last night about Rocco, as well as the FO. But sticking to Rocco primarily since that is the OP, I agree with what he does about 75-80% of the time. IMO, that makes him, generally, a good manager. I don't feel he's a great manager, but I think he's good. When he makes a pitching move I don't agree with, or uses an arm incorrectly, or PH too soon in a game, I state that I disagree. I also say what I feel when I disagree with the FO. I don't feel any manager is ever perfect. And I don't know, if a team wins 90 plus games, I think he's still going to be imperfect. So is my opinion that Rocco is good at what he does 75-80% of the time too low of an expectation? I don't know if there's a quantifiable answer to that question. I see the playoffs in 2019,2020 and 2023, along with the club FINALLY breaking the dark cloud of playoff futility last year as well. I also see recent Twins teams like 2022 where they were really good and winning and projected to reach the playoffs before they were fielding a AAA team to close the year and everything collapsed. Despite a surprising and completely frustrating and unexpected begining to this 2024 season, the Twins played at a level for 4 months they were one of the best overall teams in MLB. And Rocco has been the manager through all of this. I am fine if others don't agree with my 75-80% ratings scale. For that matter, I'm also OK if the FO/ownership decide to go a different direction and feel there's someone better for the job going forward. I don't feel, regardless of anyone's thoughts on Rocco, that a single game of a pen decision resulted in a 6 week collapse to end the season. I think it's fair to offer feelings and opinions on the past 6 weeks. But I also think it's fair to temper those feelings and opinions with previous successes under his watch, including 4 of the 6 months of this season. Only slightly off topic, I'm generally a fan/believer of the FO. But again, i don't always agree with every move they make, and I call that out. Just recent examples of ignoring players at AAA that MIGHT provide a shot in the arm when injuries and poor performance happen are seemingly ignored, I'm frustrated and say so. When Hoffman wasn't kept a couple seasons ago...and went on to be a staple of the Phillies pen...I said so. But overall, I think they've done a really good job. Doesn't mean I always agree with what they did or didn't do. And I WON'T take this discussion to the FO, which is where I think a lot of blame should be directed for lots of reasons, but there is a "trickle down affect" from their decisions that had an affect on the FO, and then down to Rocco and the coaching staff. And that, ultimately, has an affect on what Rocco and his staff have to work with. Despite a rash of injuries, and guys not playing anywhere close to 100%...same with most players on most teams...IMO, there was still enough talent on hand for this team only needed to play .500 ball, or even less, to make the playoffs and then see what happens. Such INEPITUDE over the past 5-6 weeks should have at least some blame placed on the players. They still have a job to do and simply haven't, especially on the offensive side, IMO. Again, I think Rocco is a good manager, but not saying he's great. I don't always agree with him, yet again. But arguements of "run more" don't make sense if you don't have guys who can run. Opinions of him pulling pitchers too early has been proven to be false when he has good, healthy arms. If you think he's PH too early, or used a RP wrong, or too soon, I agree at times! If you honestly feel Rocco isn't the guy to lead this team for the future, I respect your opinion. If you feel there is a manager out there can lead this team the way Rocco has, but be a better "in game" manager and take the Twins to another level, I respect your opinion. Once again, I like Rocco. But I'm OK if there is someone better. But I also just can't look at a single game, or even a couple examples, and reflect on past success, and just ride a bucking bronco of emotion to blame every disappointment on the manager alone as a single scapegoat. I don't think it's that easy. I'm as disappointed, angry, frustrated, and depressed by the collapse of this season as anyone. I mean, the carpet has been pulled out and I feel emotionally as if I took a tumble down the stairs. Ouch! (And I actually have a time or two in my life, LOL). IF. Rocco has lost this team...and we don't know if that's true...and if subtle comments made by the team captain, absently endorsed by Rocco, that some young players aren't yet "getting it" as reported...then maybe Rocco is part of that. But if it's injuries, young players, young players stretched, but Rocco STILL has the respect of the team, it certainly should change the perspective, right? While it's arguable how good of a manager you have in Rocco...do I need to reference my 75-80% agreement rate again?...is he REALLY a poor manager? Or have bad injuries and a collection of talented young players still adjusting to MLB but struggling and adapting part of the equation as to how good/bad of a job Rocco has done? Sorry @USAFChief, I just can't pick a single game to dismiss Rocco. And I just can't blame the last 5+ weeks vs 4 months of 6 no matter how good they WERE before this disappointing end to the season vs past success. I believe the FO BLEW everything from GOOD WILL to potential wins and FUTURE GOOD WILL for the team. As much as I endorse MOST of the FO, they weren't great/successful with some of their moves. But even if we disagree with some of what Rocco does, is he a manager to be replaced because of the collapse this year? Maybe. Is there a manager who could have done better? Maybe. Could a different manager make a difference going forward? Maybe. I just don't know that Rocco is or isn't the "bad guy" who's responsible for this collapse. If there's SOMEONE better to lead this team in to the future, I'm all in. But I'm still not certain that Rocco can't do a good job if he gets a little more support.

I honestly can't recall the last time the Twins had an international signing arm that offered real promise. They've done well with a number of position players, but arms have been few and far between. They're really young and have a long way to go, but Bohorquez and Rodriguez look like a very interesting young duo.

Pena on the list, once as a winner and now as an also ran is VERY much of interest. Mercedes was a kid i watched closely all year. I even mentioned him once or twice in the offseason as part of a potential trade package to bring in someone. Guess I'm glad he's still ours! The 24% K rate doesn't bother me at this point. Hitting Florida isn't easy, as history has often shown. If he can keep that %, or get a little better, with his tools he could vault up the prospect rankings. The BB and OB% outweighs the K% at this point, IMO. He keeps both about equal to this season, he's dangerous. But with all of these young kids, it's still a long way to MLB. But there's talent to get a little excited about for the future for sure.

Feels like for the 2nd year in a row the FO is sending a couple good prospects to get some extra work and growth in, and the rest are all "meh" options to fill the roster. I know it's more than that, and teams seldom send top arms. Still, the roster feels little unexciting. I'll definitely be watching Bragg closely. I had almost forgotten about him. The other arms seem to be auditioning for 2025, improve and take a step forward, or possibly not be included. Obviously hope for the best for all of them. Rosario could use the extra work after missing so much time. Same for DeAndrade. Really hope this is an opportunity for Ross's bat to take a step up. He sure seems like an interesting prospect.

On the surface, I honestly don't even know what to add considering how disappointing the past 5 weeks have been. Despite being able to watch all games since I'm not in a blackout area, I've barely watched. I just couldn't bring myself to do so. But I guess, ultimately, I do have some things to say. BUT, i have to start by saying recent horrendous play/results should also be put in to perspective when we HONESTLY examine the ENTIRE season. 1] The regular season is approximately 6 months. Injuries and almost inexplicable bad performance had the 2024 Twins off to a really bad start. The last month of the season, so far, has been just as horrible, with injuries and inexplicable bad performance. The 4 months in between, the Twins were one of the BEST teams in ALL of MLB! The injuries might be worse in the last month vs the first month, but the TEAM, OVERALL, has largely had a very good season. What's INEXPLICABLE to me is 2 months of horrible play. Despite what some believe to be easy blame marks for said blame, how do you explain the 4 months that were amongst the best in MLB with LARGELY the same team? 2] I didn't realize until I listened to the latest Gleeman and the Geek podcast, but over the past 5 weeks, if the Twins were ONLY 16-17...below .500...they would be a lock for the playoffs and tied with the Orioles for the same record! Being below .500 and STILL having that good or a record and a playoff lock only states just how bad things have been. 3] I don't feel Rocco has been great over the course of the season...the early season use of Alcala is still criminal on a ML front, IMO...but the rainout and an off day Monday should have changed at least SOME of the pen usage against Boston. But waiver wire, mediocre arm, coming in for a game that meant something for 2 innings makes ZERO sense. As Gleeman stated, why not keep Matthews in? He's more than capable of allowing a big HR, LOL. Why not just let Matthews get a shot to finish an inning? 4] Alcala, due to over use considering he's ONLY thrown about 20 IP the past 2 years, has tired. But he actually threw well in his last appearance. So with 2 days off due to the rainout and Monday off, could be rested enough to actually "be rested"? I'm OK with a healthy Heardrick getting a shot late in the season as I believe he's got a chance to be part of the pen going forward starting next season. But Henriquez has actually looked good, but we send HIM down because he was overused over the weekend but we kept Irvin over him with Monday a day off for rest? That's on the FO. 5] I'm going to borrow from @chpettit19 here, but when the offense is struggling this much, why are you holding on to guys who are struggling? If Julien...who I still have future hope for...isn't playable, then why not keep Keirsey as a potentially better option, who deserves a shot, and can AT LEAST, provide defense and base running ability and SB potential? HONESTLY, except for a 2-3 months of good production from Margot against LHP with bad defense, zero power, when he was ready to come off the IL, would it have been stupid to just stick with Helman and give him more opportunity than a couple of games? I can understand bringing Margot back, barely, but keeping a 14th position player struggling and not playing in Julien vs Keirsey is silly to me. 6] I UNDERSTAND sticking with veteran players getting a long leash at times. History will tell you sometimes that works out. Witness Kepler in 2023 and Farmer THIS YEAR suddenly overcoming a bad shoulder and helping win a couple games. But sometimes you have to trust your prospects and give them a shot. Not every prospect is 22-24 yo. Once in a while, a 30yo veteran is DONE. And once in a while a late 20yo can be a good, solid, quality depth piece. But NEVER trusting in YOUR SYSTEM and letting someone like that over a poor older veteran is a mistake. FO problem. 7] I OBJECT to "backing in" to the playoffs as some part of pushback. It's a LONG season. Teams rise and fall over 162 games. If the OVERALL season puts the Twins in the playoffs, then they did ENOUGH in 6 months to get there. The last 5 weeks be damned. Over 6+ months, they would have done enough, and endured enough, to reach it. Would we rather NOT go the playoffs? I'm angry as hell for ownership for what they've done, somewhat disappointed in the FO because of a few moves they've made and didn't make, and I'm not crazy about some Rocco moves here and there. But I'd rather have a team that has a SHOT vs no shot. Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't both WS teams in the last WS WC teams? 8] HONESTLY, I like the Twins top 2 starters over most teams in the 1st round. If there's a #3 game, it's a mix of SWR and SOMEONE. I actually like a short season pen better than what we have now. But unless we can finish strong, Ober might be that 3rd starter. And losing game 2 is an issue. Problem remains the same...how can the ENTIRE position player/lineup ALL GO COLD at the same time? The LINEUP SUDDENLY WAKES UP, our team has a chance.

If Keirsey gets a legitimate shot, and proves he can hit even deftly, I'd love to have him as a 4th OF and speed guy off the bench. Castro is fine as an occasional CF option, but I'd rather have a natural CF out there if/when Buxton is injured. If trade or FA could bring in a solid, corner OF RH bat that's not embarrassing against RHP, the OF could be deep and balanced.

Pay attention if you will, I'm breaking this down in to different categories: DEVILS ADVOCATE: The Padres have EXPLODED their payroll for several years now to build their club, and have had a very deep system that they have constantly traded from. Good for them, they've maintained and developed enough talent to be able to do so thus far. While we DON'T have open books in regard to income, it's been strongly suggested they have exceeded output vs input to achieve this financially. This is largely attributed to an ill/dieing owner who wanted desperately to win a WS before passing. At some point, possibly soon, the Padres may be looking at a financial crisis as an organization and may deeply regret the vast amount of talent they have traded away. The entire collapse and conundrum of Bally/Diamond plays a major part in this. And the future is unknown. Twins ownership, while taking more than a couple missteps in how they've handled TV and streaming rights, alienating a large majority of their fandom, have at least recognized impending changes, and attempted...to some degree...to get "out front" of impending changes by NOT trading away a bulk of MILB talent, or take on salaries that could cripple the team's future. Surprisingly, while these two teams play in different leagues and different divisions...which is a fair point...since the current Twins FO took over late in 2016, the more frugal Twins have been in the playoffs 4 times through 2023 vs the Padres heading there only twice. BUILDING A BULLPEN: Like all teams, the Twins invest in OPPORTUNITIES for the pen in the offseason with low cost and low risk investments to see what might turn up. This has turned up 1 year options, and multi year contributors such as Wisler, Clippard, Coulombe, Thielbar, and Stewart, just to name a few. The one major miss/mistake in that time was Jeff Hoffman, now with the Phillies, who was let go after having a quality ST and has gone on to be an important piece with the Phillies. HUGE miss on that one. The Twins spent LITTLE in the offseason to fortify ANY part of the team, least of all the bullpen. What they did do was bring in a collection of arms to fill middle relief with the idea SOMEONE might step forward. To be fair, they already had Duran, Jax, Stewart, and Thielbar to form a base. While Stewart has had a career filled with injuries, his 2023 injury was a muscle strain. Did anyone really predict 15 poor IP? Despite getting long in the tooth, did anyone really expect Thielbar to just fall off a cliff after a really solid 2023? Funderburk really flashed potential last season before fighting control at times this year...though he's still got potential. Topa was never, IMO, a verified set up man. But after a really good 2023 with the Mariners, he coulda/shoulda been a solid 7th inning guy. And then an old knee inury pops up again. Sands has been a HUGE surprise! Duarte looked like a nice flier who was "tweaked" by the coaching staff to be a potentially solid addition. And then, of course, he blows his elbow out. I think a lot of people also forget Jovani Moran also blew his elbow out. Brent Headrick, tall LH arm with potential to help missed most of the season as well with injury. Is it POSSIBLE that Winder and his new 2 seamer and existing slider MIGHT have pulled a "Sands" and taken a step forward this season if he wasn't hurt AGAIN? If Ryan and Paddack hadn't BOTH got hurt, might the pen have been less stretched and better today as well? If Rocco...and I don't criticize him often, even if I don't always agree with him...had handled Alcala as a 1 IP to begin with, especially considering past injury issues and limited IP the past 2 seasons...his generaly outstanding season might still have him effective, and a reliable arm, instead of a tired one going through a bad stretch and back at AAA. CONCLUSION: The pen wasn't set up poorly despite no major additions initially. Injuries and the poor handling of Alcala, and WAY underestimated regression of Thielbar...Funderburk to a lesser degree...wiped out what was expected, including loss of depth. Having to suddenly compensate for injuries to the rotation can't be stressed enough. Even with all the injuries and depth issues and under performance, the pen was still league average or so until about early/mid August I'm NOT absolving the FO for some moves made and not made to begin the year. Crap happens, including injuries. But ON PAPER to begin the season with a pen of Duran, Jax, Stewart, Alcala, Topa Funderburk, and whoever, I bet most all of us would have bet we had a good pen with some options and depth available. I don't think the FO was stupid, or blind, but were believing in what was on hand, and thought a couple arms added would help. Best laid plans, right? TRADE DEADLINE REALITY: I don't think the FO was SCARED to make a move or two. That's ridiculous. These are grown men who have revamped the entire system to bring about one of the top MILB systems in MLB. They've had the Twins in the playoffs in 4 of the 7 seasons they've been in charge, and probably 5 of 8 soon. SHOULD they have made an addition or two at the deadline besides the very pedestrian Richard's? ABSOLUTELY! Did they have enough MILB talent to afford a trade for someone like Puk with another year under contract? Yes! He should have been a priority. The cost would not have decimated the system in any way. And there were a handful of arms I was also interested in. But honestly, I might be envious of the arms the Padres brought in, but I'm NOT envious of what they gave up. When our favorite team has been spiraling lately...making it hard to watch at times...I'm still reminded we HAVE talent and ability. I'm reminded that the offense just fell asleep all at once. I'm reminded the Twins are now throwing 3 rookies in the rotation. I'm reminded that in a short series with Lopez and Ober we have a chance, including a shortened pen that might be better than the pen we have right now, stretched out. But the offense needs to get it together. FINAL CONCLUSION: The Twins have been hard to watch the past few weeks. The pen has been part of that. But so has the offense. But itts also been hard, while interesting, to see a couple top SP prospects get their feet wet for the future. Ownership SHOULD have allowed an addition at the deadline. Considering the prospect capital cost of some of the trades, I can see a reluctance of the FO, not ownership. I think the FO should have jumped on Puk, a perfect fit, even if hurt a little bit. I'm NOT an optimist to remind everyone that the Twins were one of the best teams in MLB from about mid April to mid/late August. We even had a real shot to overtake Cleveland for the ALC crown. The Cleveland series was close and went the opposite way. And it STUNK to be so close! But barring an even greater collapse, our Twins are headed to the playoffs. I understand all of the recent frustration for a team that should be producing better than they have been. But right NOW, would you trade the likes of Rodriguez, Keaschall, Lewis, Morris, etc and all for a couple rentals?

I haven't forgotten about either. But I'm not so sure either is headed to the rotation. Dobnak will probably be a swing man as the 6th starter, which is fine. The way they move players to the "development" lust and back again is just a way of keeping a deeper roster at their disposal. I tnink...and kind of hope...that Headrick is going to the pen. He's a big LH who has decent velocity that should uptick in the pen. Further, being a SP all this time, he might be able to hold his own against RH bats better than some. And he might be able to toss a pair of innings here and there instead of a single inning. He's going to be 27yo at the start of 2025 and lost all but a handful of appearances this season. And there is depth at AAA, and need and opportunity in the Twins pen. I think his ticket to MLB, and sticking, is in the Twins pen.

A nice problem to have, right? I believe there's a small chance the Twins attempt to move Paddack, though if they have to eat even some of his $ I don't know if they'd do it. But I can see them trying to save some $ and put it elsewhere like a RH OF of decent quality, or at 1B, etc. But even if they don't over him, there's always the possibility of someone getting injured. Long way of saying the depth at St Paul might be so deep that even with Festa in the rotation, they might be crowded. Again, good problem to have. Excited that 2 of Raya's best starts have been at the end of the season. But I still have to predict he begins 2025 at AA again just because of the numbers, and because being cut loose for more IP might be an easier transition ar AA for a month or so? Just a gut feeling.

I know you can move someone to 1B. Moreau moved there, Arraez moved there, even Sano moved there. As a matter of fact, elder statesman Santana moved there. But it's kind of weird we don't have much at 1B in the minors isn't it?

I just don't understand the OP at all. Correa's plantar issues arose ONLY in 2023. I'm not aware of any other issues before then. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Then he was fine this season before the OTHER FOOT suddenly had issues. Despite his big $ contract with Nike, he has switched to a different shoe provider as somehow Nike has been unable to provide him a new shoe that feels comfortable. While it's always possible this could be an ongoing issue for Correa, it's also very possible he never suffers from it again with cleats that work better for his feet. (Been there, done that). Defensively, he's still an outstanding SS. Why would the Twins move him? And even if they did, it would have little to zero affect on additional issues of his plantar. If we want to debate the INF, then speculate where everyone should play if/when Lee is healthy and he's hitting like expected. THEN we have an INF discussion! Even if Lewis is good at 3B and gets his strong arm back to throwing strikes to 1B, could Lee just be a better 3B? If that's the case, then maybe Lewis moves. But what if Keaschall, for example, looks really good at 2B and his bat/speed continue to play up? Then maybe Lewis moves to 1B? All interesting things to consider of the next season or two with Lee, Keaschall, Julien, Culepper, and maybe even Eeles all part of the discussion. (Notice no 1B listed there). But until the day comes where Correa's defense actually slips beyond excellent/very good/good to average/below average, he's the #1 SS.

Nice job of pitching and mixing things up by Lewis. Love his repertoire. But if the velocity readings are correct, his fastball was way down. Perhaps he's tired from the late start to his season, rehab and the such, and he's just running out of gas. AAA staff is STACKED for 2025! Nice to see Alcala respond with a good inning and hitting triple digits. This feels weird to say, but how can you not think of Eeles as a legitimate prospect at this point? He's not too old for AAA, has raked at every level, and does everything offensively except mash, but he's still got plenty of XB and occasional HR power. Lee may or may not need a little more time after an interrupted season. Julien needs a major bounce back. Keaschall, even fully recovered and 100%, probably needs at least a little AAA time. Could Eeles be a realistic option for some 2B in 2025? If Keirsey sticks around...and I hope he does...I think he's got a real shot at some time with the Twins. He takes Kepler's place on the roster as a LH reserve OF. That allows the Twins to replace Margot with a RH bat with solid offense that only has to play the corners. That's your 5 man OF with Castro also contributing as well.

Varland's pure stuff is over multiple seasons as a 2 time MILB pitcher of the year award, and some quality ML appearances even if THIS season has been a weird mixed baggage year of quality and poor performance. His previous seasons for the Twins weren't awesome, but they were solid and showed potential. His brief time in the pen to close out 2023 showed real promise in that role. Deduno was interesting when he came to the Twins. And there was some hope he might harness his potential. But I have a hard time referencing someone from 2014, 3 years before the current staff took over, vs Varland and his potential today. Different players at different times with different staffs.

Yes. But pure stuff? I'd bank on Varland as a fully adjusted pen arm in 2025 than I would Henriquez at this point.

They do. And medical science keeps advancing, such as the relatively new braces for elbows in TJ surgeries. I'm just saying that for anyone, including athletes who do this for a living, I'm in favor of other methods that might have a black mark against them, that might not be "evil" in the proper context. For instance, I'd rather see athletes...and the public at large...be able to use something like marijuana or TCH supplements for pain vs opiods for pain. And on a limited basis, doctor controlled and monitored, I'm in favor of other options to promote actual rehab and HEALING. NOT for a competitive advantage, but for returned health.

I was happy to see him back for one more season for a variety of reasons, even at his $. Had i known how bad the payroll crunch was actually going to be, I might have changed my mind. Still, I liked him back. And then he was just awful at the plate. The 2023 version of Farmer was worth having stick around. The version we got was worth a DFA months ago. The injury factor and sudden turnaround doesn't end up justifying his contract or presence, but we're way beyond that at this point. No, he can't maintain this hot streak through the rest of 2024, which includes probable playoff appearances. He's way above career numbers, so it's a silly question. BUT, that doesn't mean he can't be the "normal", solid hitter he was in 2023 and for a good part of his career. That still has value to finish the season even without another month of this hot streak he's currently on.