DocBauer

Read reports of this late last evening and couldn't believe it. If you are having a mental/emotional crisis, if you just feel burned out from the past 9 months, if there's a problem at home, just tell someone. I'm quite certain the Twins would have been understanding and get him the rest or break or help he needed. Just no excuse for sabotaging other players and your teammates as a whole. If he's having issues, I hope he gets help. But again, no excuse to hurt other people and their careers. As to a mention above, the original articles I read stated he was to keep his signing money. I find that hard to believe, but that's the way it's been reported so far.

I hate the idea of removing Nowlin from the rotation and turning him in to a reliever at this point. The guys has good stuff. His hits and K's per 9 are both quite good. The BB are too high, but if he could be a little more consistent there, he's probably a legitimate back end starter with #3 potential. But then again, he's behind a handful of other arms in the system, some of them literally ahead of him at AAA and the ML level. And the Twins could sure use some quality LH arms in the pen that are more than just good against LH bats. Moran comes back in 2025 from TJ and has a great change to throw to RH. Funderburk has the stuff to get both sides out if he can just gain some more command. Does Headrick move to the pen starting next season? Rotation depth is great, but don't you want the best 13 arms you can get for your staff? Nowlin might be one of those best 13, or close to it. And if he doesn't seem to have a clear path to the rotation in the future, it might be time for that pen move. It's only about a week, but nice to see Rodroguez and Jenkins finish the season healthy and each a level up. **Are McCusker and Eeles both viable options to help in 2025 and we're discounting their rise just because they've been on an abnormal trajectory?

Is this supposed to be another article condemning ownership being cheap this past offseason and not adding better players? Or is the OP stating the Twins are investing too much in "distressed assets" overall? Yes, Buxton is injury prone. This season it really looked like he was going to play over 100 games before his hip flared up again. Last season they had a pretty good backup option in Taylor, and even Castro as a secondary option. This year they did not. And the 2023 payroll was a record high. So the Twins weren't cheap last year but they were this year. Is that the point? Correa being used as an example of being a "distressed asset" is SO FAR off the mark it's almost absurd. He was limited to 75 games in 2019, and played almost all of the games in the covid 2020 year. The 3 years before that were 153, 109, and 110 games played. From 2021 through 2023 he played in 148, 136, and 135 games, even though he was hurt most all of 2023. But his plantar issue has NOTHING to do with an ankle that was repaired while still a teenager. And the plantar injury is not something remotely predictable. I'm surprised Lewis wasn't mentioned as a "distressed asset" after suffering a pair of knee injuries as a prospect. Surely they should have predicted that, right? Perhaps, as a result, they should have expected the various soft tissue injuries he's suffered since then and moved on? Or maybe they should have somehow signed or traded for another starting caliber 3B as a precautionary move? Yes, every season right now means planning on having Buxton for 90-100 games max. And being cheap and not adding to a quality team with a chance to win, or adding someone like DeScalfini is a poor choice. But you simply can't predict injuries. They are going to happen. And the best thing you can do is build the best and deepest roster you can each season to mitigate against them. But at some point, injuries will just happen. And sometimes too many of them happen to compensate. Again, who could POSSIBLY predict Correa would end up with the same injury this season on the OTHER foot? Then Lewis gets hurt. Then Lee gets hurt TWICE, once before the season even began. Then Ryan gets hurt. Miranda and Castro get banged up. A handful of pen arms are hurt losing depth. As a fan, I'm ticked off about the cut backs that could have helped this team with greater investment. And other than a couple of questionable moves over the years, I don't feel the team has greatly invested in "distressed assets" to build the club. Sometimes crap happens to the front line players, and even the reserve options, and you're left scrambling. It stinks! But I doubt anyone saw this many injuries happening, especially when they were one of the top 10 winning clubs until a few weeks ago.

The Twins know Keirsey better than I/we do, that's a fact. I have no idea if he...or Helman for that matter since he's very similar in this discussion...can hit ML pitching. But until he's given a chance, nobody really knows, including the Twins. He may prove to be nothing more than a AAAA ballplayer. But he has had a really good season at AAA with fine production. He was excellent in 2023 at AA, and dipped when he reached AAA, though he wasn't bad. The arguement shouldn't be "replacing Buxton" IMO. That would seem to imply he'd be as good, or close to, and that's just a fallacy I'd say. But by "replacement" do we mean a solid FILL IN, we'll, he might be if given a chance. If his defense is actually good, and there are many reports he is, then that's a positive considering Margot and Martin...so far, maybe Martin can improve...haven't done the job. He has some pop and can run and steal bases. Playing good defense and having a 90-ish OPS at the bottom of the order would be more than acceptable as a "fill in" for Buxton in that context. Since 75% of the ML arms are RH, who cares if Keirsey bats left? Unless your team has a bunch of switch hitters, you're almost always going to have to play 1 or 2 LH bats in just about every game. Getting a cup of coffee this late in the season is going to prove little to nothing. Honestly, I think he should have been brought up over a month ago to hopefully improve the defense and get a chance to show what he might be capable of. He isn't some late round pick. He was a 4th round, athletic selection by this FO. He struggled with injuries, missed a year due to covid, and started becoming a real hitter/threat 2 years ago. I've seen too many bad plays in CF from Martin and Margot that, again, I think he should have been up earlier. Or at least when Kepler was pretty much regulated to bench warmer over a week ago. He may surprise. He may fail. But when you've got a 27 yo at AAA doing a really good job and injuries hit, why on earth don't you take a looksee at what you have in your own backyard? And that's what frustrates me the most. He should have been up sooner. He should play now to see if you MIGHT have someone who can help now, and possibly next year. You need solid reserves in addition to your starters. Just ignoring someone who might help your ball club because he's older is very short sighted.

Rodriguez, Jenkins, Buxton, Wallner, Larnach, and maybe 1 of Rosario or McCusker as an extra RH option? By some time in 2026 at the latest? Sounds really exciting to me.

They didn't move him to the pen previously because they needed him in the rotation. He was the 6th man when ST started and he was quickly moved to the rotation. SWR was bumped from the 7th man to #6. THEN, he took over for Varland when he struggled so badly. BTW, few if any could predict how well SWR would do once inserted. After that, the cupboard was bare except for Dobnak and some journeymen. Remember, even Headrick was hurt almost immediately. Again, Varland was needed as depth. And to be fair, he's thrown some good games in that role over the past few months. This is not the FO suddenly coming up with a good idea. They would have done this months ago if they were able. Season coming to a close, need and the improvements by some young arms make this the time to move him. And he's probably staying there for good. His arm talent is enough he could probably carve out a solid career as a back of the rotation starter for someone. But why not be a really good reliever instead? And that's probably what he's going to be going forward. Duran, Jax, Alcala, Sands, and Varland is a really nice 5 out of 8 to begin with. Personally, I think health has been the issue for Henriquez as I've seen good results at times. And if Stewart could come back for a healthy 50 IP, this pen could be really good. Outstanding with even a single quality LH option...if not 2...from Funderburk, Moran, Headrick (who I see moving), and possibly Nowlin as well. Varland's career path seems obvious at this point.

Keaschall could be a starting 2B in the near future, or a super utility who plays daily similar to Castro. Right now, he's been playing 2B/1B/LF/CF. His arm injury had him spending plenty of time at DH as well. I don't know that I've ever ready he has an overly strong arm, but I find myself wondering how strong his arm will be post TJ. Might it be stronger repaired and rehabbed? If so, it would be great if he could play 3B as well just to keep his versatility as high as possible. All 3 of these guys are exciting and I agree 2025 will see the arrival of both Keaschall and Rodriguez. I think 2026 makes the most sense for Jenkins. No matter how talented, there's just so few guys ever ready for ML ball at 20yo.

I DON'T get waiving 2nd year, prospect QB Hall in hopes of adding him to the PS and then losing him to Seattle because you were "scared" you might have an injury situation like 2023. You drafted Hall because you thought he had a chance to develop in to a quality backup QB. He showed improvement this preseason. But you'd rather lose him and keep a very mediocre "veteran" QB like Rypien? If you get to your 3rd QB, your game is pretty much DONE, if not your month or season. I'd ALWAYS keep a young, developmental QB as my #3 over a mediocre at best "veteran". And if they thought so little of Hall vs Rypien AT THIS POINT, then he was either a wasted pick, OR, they have out-thought themselves and gotten "too cute" thinking he'd be an easy slip to the PS. I can't argue with the final roster much at all. But this was the one spot where I can yell out malpractice of talent and roster space.

A MUCH NEEDED win because we needed it, because we can't afford to slip further back, because we needed some good karma, and because we gained a 1/2 game on Cleveland. KC has been reeling as of late and the Guardians are off to play the Dodgers in LA for a 3 game set. I'm not dismissing the Royals at all, but I'd still rather play them right now instead of the Dodgers. A chance the Twins pick up a game or two in the next 3 days? Bad news is Ober...while fantastic all year except for a couple of games...hasn't had much luck against KC. I believe Matthews and SWR are also scheduled to throw. That's a fair amount of pressure on the rotation for this series. One game at a time. But I have to say, with no offense intended, Kepler has just been BAD the past couple of weeks with his knee. I think they waited too long, once again, to put him on the IL. Instead of playing short handed, I think he should have been moved a week ago and Keirsey brought up before now. The "maybe he'll be OK in a couple of days" mantra is getting old. There's no way to predict if Keirsey will perform well or not. (Same for Helman). But you don't know if a prospect, even an older prospect, will show run with an opportunity, or show you he can help and maybe be part of the future, or bottom out, until he gets a chance. But keeping a 30yo OF sitting on the bench and virtually unplayable for a week or more just doesn't make sense vs giving a healthy player a chance to see if they can help. Go Twins! Muscle up, get your heads clear, and sweep KC!

I remembered him being a 4th round pick as well as all his injuries. But I had somewhat forgotten just how good that draft was for the Twins overall. While different players...LH vs RH, OF vs UTILITY...Keirsey and Helman are very similar players in regard to early injuries and covid holding back their development, and being solid, all around hitters with pop/power and speed. I fully understand that neither is overly young and that neither getting an opportunity means they are going to suddenly step forward as major parts of the team going forward. But you never know until a prospect is given a viable chance what they might become. The opportunity hasn't been optimum for these two until now. But opportunity is mow available to them. I hope they get a real shot and both take advantage of it. It only takes a small squint to see roster opportunities in 2025 for both if they take advantage of the situation presented to them.

I've been so impressed with what Brandon Winoker had done this season. I suspect we'd be talking about him a lot more if it weren't for Jenkins, E Rodriguez, and some of the great pitching performances we've seen. 6' 6" and 210lbs playing primarily SS, followed by CF, while ot 18yo at A ball. While he's K'd way more than you'd like, he's hit .253 with an OB% of .332. His SLG% is .443 and a total OPS of .774. And he's flashed surprising speed in the form of 23 SB in 29 attempts for a 79% success rate. The FSL is a notoriously difficult hitters league, and he's thriving there as a 19yo. Very eager to see what he does as a 20yo in Cedar Rapids next season.

Martin hasn't exactly set the world on fire to this point. And there's potentially room for both in 2025, depending on various performance and $ scenarios. Hoping for the best in his opportunity.

That's a lot to go right. But then again, Buxton is probably on a short rehab in the next couple of days. If Correa is relatively functional the last week of the season and the playoffs, we know what kind of a difference he can make. IF Paddack makes it back at all...and time is running very short as he just began throwing...he might good for an inning at a time. Varland and Festa absolutely can make a difference in the pen, though Festa might be needed in the rotation should the Twins advance beyond the 1st round. What's been most concerning to me overall...probably even more than a handful of ugly pen blowup that cost us 3 games we should have won...has been a relative collapse of the offense as of late. Even without Correa and Buxton, they still scored some runs and won a few games and the team was still playing relatively good ball. But again, it just feels like everyone has gone cold at the same time lately, especially in crucial moments. The bats start getting hot again, I do believe this team can be dangerous.

The Twins might have not lost ground after a really bad week...luckily...but with only a month a month left of the regular season, overtaking Cleveland for the division might be an impossible task. Cleveland has 2 more games against KC Tuesday and Wednesday after leading going in to the bottom of 9th Monday as I type this. Sure would be nice for the Royals to win the next 2. The Guardians then play the Dodgers for 3 games in LA. If the Twins can suddenly get hot again, they have a chance to make up a couple games this week. That could make the upcoming 4 game series with our Twins...and the last week of the season...of extreme interest and importance. Of course, it's really up the Twins to get going again. I think I like the idea of Varland getting a start, maybe two, before moving to the pen. It might keep everyone fresher for the stretch run and the playoffs. Kepler's knee just isn't going to be right until the season is over. Still, I almost wonder if he'd be better served by a brief IL stint just to rest, and bring up Keirsey briefly as a backup/fill-in option. Here's hoping Matthews can laugh a little about a horrible rookie game and shake it off.

Too bad Knoblauch will never be in the Twins HOF. On the field, he was an absolute STUD for a handful of seasons.

Just finally got around to listening to Seth's interview with Eeles. Bright young man. Was surprised to learn he was a catcher in his youth. I keep wondering if he's not maybe a Pedroia kind of player without as much power. I think he's behind more than a few guys on the prospect list despite what he's done so far. Just too many questions about his bat translating to MLB at this point. And I see no reason to invite him to ST next year for reasons that should be obvious. At this point, he probably compares to Prato at AAA. The older Prato just hasn't duplicated his 2023 performance this season. Doesn't mean he can't climb the ladder in 2025. But Eeles MIGHT be a younger, better version. The Twins have several INF drafted in 2022 and 2023 that have bounced around between AA and AAA, flashing, and then coming back down to earth. But none of them have consistently performed, so far, at AAA the way Eeles has. He's got a LOT to prove at AAA with repeated performance being at the top of the list. But I don't think he should be penalized on prospect lists, FWIW, based on his acquisition. He's the equivalent of an NFL rookie FA who sits on the PS for a year.

Couldn't watch the games, but doesn't, Ober pitched well, Lewis was a hero, and we won a much needed game! Does this get Lewis comfortable and confident again? MLB is fluid over a long season. He's due to ride a high tide again. Despite the blow-up Saturday, Festa and Matthews are top young arms who have certainly flashed. Their ML time right now is huge for 2025, but for right now, we just need them to be solid/competitive for September. Without Buxton or Correa, the offense still has enough talent to be better than they've been lately. Its almost as if everyone got cold at the same time. Pressure? Lee back helps the flexibility of the lineup, and HOPEFULLY his bat is helpful as well. Okert and Richards gone might be a positive through subtraction. A lot of misgivings about the addition of Tonkin. I disagree. He's nothing special. But he's built a fairly decent career as a solid middle man. He was good for about 30 IP with the Yankees before going in to a slump. But if a tweak here or there gets him on track, he only needs to be a solid 1-2 IP middle guy, NOT some 7th or 8th inning savior. He just needs to be able to keep the game close/same for that 1 or 2 innings. Winder MIGHT be able to be the same. Varland has the pure stuff to be a real weapon in the 7th and 8th. But he doesn't have to be NOW. He could be, but he doesn't have to be. He just needs to come in and fire hard and good stuff before the top 4 come in. And speaking of, is Alcala running out if gas? Or is he just in a rough patch? If Alcala is OK, then Varland is #5. Then we just need a couple guys to be solid in the middle innings. As of now, we've got Tonkin, Winder, Blewitt, MAYBE Castillo, Henriquez and Thielbar to fill that role. Funderburk might be back soon, and he's much younger and has better stuff than Thielbar despite still struggling with control. Could he be a better option? I know it's a long shot considering late season timing/pressure, but if Helman can display a solid approach at the plate with his first appearance, he offers a RH bat to replace Margot with more power, better speed at this point, and better position flexibility. Considering how bad Margot's defense has been, IF Helman can be a "decent" hitter, he might be a better option??? This was one game, but a needed win. Now comes a road trip with a few changes/reinforcements with our Twins STILL projected to the playoffs, but still a decent chance of winning the ALC if they can have short term memory and wipe away the last 2 weeks. They had a solid July and first couple of weeks in August. Put in some oil, check the coolant, and wiper fluid just in case, check the tire pressure, grab some snacks, and hit the road and just take care of business. Just trust you locked the front door, turned on the alarm system, and roll on down the hiway to do what you need to do. You've got a couple extra drivers to help read the map and help with drive time. Just focus on the journey's end.

I think I speak for most everyone when I say I hope Lee helps spark the offense. But he doesn't have to be a savior, just hopefully good. But sudden the INF is deeper and Castro can move around more now. I hope Castillo has better control than the last time we saw him, but I'm betting he's only a full on until another.move needs to take place. As an long standing hopeful, advocate for Helman, I have zero expectations. I'm just excited he's finally getting his ML opportunity. His playing time might be limited...and short lived...so who knows if he's hot or cold. But he has played all 7 field spots in his career, so he can be plugged in anywhere. There's some power and speed there to go along with defensive flexibility. Again, expecting nothing. But it sure is fun to see him get an opportunity.

So either Paddack's initial long toss didn't go well, or they are just convinced he's done for the season. At this point, he can't even be an injury replacement if he's on the 60 man. I believe he must remain out for the entire 60 days.

Lee says "hello". 😀

I'm a conundrum as an eternal optiimist generally speaking, and a "Debbie downer" at times when life or general situations smack me in the face at times. BTW, where does the "downer" expression even come from? I digress. Time and frustration kept me from watching most of the games on this homestand. Frankly, I was disappointed and PO'd! This is NOT my 2024 Twins! No matter some injuries, this is NOT my Twins! I watched most of the game tonight between work and after work. THIS was my 2024 Twins. They had an amazing performance from their SP in Lopez. Jax and Duran only threw a couple of pitches. The offense wasn't near explosive, but they did enough. MOST IMPORTANTLY, NOBODY BLEW THE GAME with silly mistakes! ALL TEAMS are dealing with injuries, including our Twins. But we've overcome time and again to have a great record/season until this homestand, for reasons I can't begin to understand! YES, the pen has been running out of gas recently. But the lineup suddenly produced little. A blip? Maybe bad match ups? Putting too much pressure on everyone's shoulders? Just a FEW better pen offerings...just a FEW better AB over the past 7-10 days and this team is in 1st place in the ALC! Lee should be back in a couple days to help. Buxton might be on a rehab in the next few days. Correa might be back in a 2 weeks. The rotation has been surprisingly solid despite throwing 3 rookies. The FO is TRYING to alter the pen with changes...Henriquez, Blewitt, Winder and Varland soon, maybe Funderburk to help. EVERY team has good and bad stretches. UNFORTUNATELY, the pen and the lineup went COLD just as Cleveland FINALLY began to regress to norms and have lost the opportunity to already be in 1st place. One of the best things that can happen is your #1 STUD SP delivers something special. And your top 2 relievers finish the game with little effort. And don't laugh, but your probably best hitter comes out of a slump with a bloop hit. Don't misunderstand, it's only ONE WIN. But you not only end a losing streak with a win, but you also BEGIN a winning streak with one win. Despite injuries and a recent losing streak, this team is better than laying down and doing nothing. A couple of arms are going to TRY to help, the rotation has been SURPRISINGLY solid, and the lineup is much better than they've shown even without Buxton and Correa. They got COLD at the same time, they can also get HOT at the same time. These guys are competitive athletes who have not only the playoffs ahead, but a chance to win the division. It's time to focus, and get "pissed off" and "angry" and use this game to finish the season STRONG!

I believe Kwesi has assembled a really good coaching staff. I think he's set the team up well financially after this season. I think he's done a lot of good so far. I also think, for whatever and various reasons, he completely blew the 2022 draft. (The trading down wasnt my issue, but many of the choices made). And make no mistake, that draft HURTS the current team, as well as having an affect on the future. But they did much better in 2023. And even with limited picks in 2024, they did well, with the tragic passing of young CB Jackson "messing" with ultimate success. UDFA are not just a random lottery. There is still scouting and recruitment involved, in addition to $ spent. Not quantifying UDFA of quality is like saying a late round draft surprise doesn't count as a win in the draft. With respect, any arguement that Cine MIGHT turn out to be a solid player in the future vs the Hit Man, or any other SAFETY kept is ridiculous as IF he was kept, he was AT BEST the 6th man. Keeping a 6th SAFETY for hope is not how you build a roster. For the most part, the final 53 man is about what I expected with a few surprises. I don't like letting Nwangwu go as the KR and 3rd RB. I THOUGHT we saw enough in preseason to believe he was actually looking like a real RB. But we don't see or know everything that takes place in scrimmages and practices. He's previously struggled as a receiver and pass blocker, and it's been reported he lacks natural instincts as a RB. My GUESS is, despite a good preseason, they still see him as a fast athlete, and not a true RB. Gaskins is a solid blocker, proven receiver, and ran well all preseason. It feels like bringing on Rypien instead of Hall is a knee jerk reaction to 2023 injuries. HOPEFULLY, Hall comes back to the PS. He's got the talent to be a quality backup QB once he learns to trust himself more. I saw REAL improvement this preseason. REALLY excited about Rodriguez, Taimani, and Redmond as reserves on the DL. They all flashes and showed potential. Now, the DL needs at least ONE difference maker next year, assuming Phillips comes back, and maybe two, but having a young trio with potential is much better than last season. I kept hearing Jones was on the bubble at OLB. But a few reports were saying he was having a great camp. IDK, but this staff hardly ever plays starters or top reserves in the preseason. So when I hear good things and a guy DOESN'T play, I assume good things. INTERESTING that we get to keep Murphy and develop him but didn't have to cut anyone right now to keep him. Also excited we get to keep Richter on the PS. I'm actually impressed how Kwesi has rebuilt the CB position on the fly due to injury and unfortunate death. The WR position looks really good! Surprisingly good. Rather shocked that UDFA Jones was just cut with recent additions. I'm betting he's back soon as things are still fluid. I'm still a bit perplexed by the OL, and that's not bad or good. Tackle looks great! Bradbury is OK/solid at CENTER...though I'm hoping for improvement in the near future. I have high hopes for Brandel at LG. But I'm confused at Ingram at RG. He's SLOWLY shown improvement. PFF dislikes him. But after watching all 3 preseason games and some isolated plays on different websites, I'm of the belief he might be advancing. DITTO for rookie Jurgens at CENTER and OG. I'm not sold on Feeney, but the staff seams to be. Risner is in reserve for now. And not only was I impressed by Robinson, I hear he ALMOST made the final roster. The OL might be my biggest concern entering 2024. I think they're 2 players short between making CENTER better, and ONE of the GUARD positions better than average. But there's enough talent/options available that we could see a surprise there. Generally speaking, I really like the construction of this team, despite questions about both lines, and the future at CB. NOT saying any of the 3 spots are BAD, but I question next level and the future of all 3. Brandel is what I think he might be, and Ingram takes a step forward this year, a difference maker at CENTER might give us a great OL soon. Three young players who show potential, keep Phillips, and add ONE really DL next year, the DL might be OK this year, and pretty damn good next. CB is going to be in flux with Evans hopefully improving, McGothern improving, Murphy back, and Blackmon coming back strong, but needing at least one good addition to this group in 2025. This team is NOT devoid of talent on either side of the ball. But there's still enough of a talent question mark and transition going on to think they could win only 6 games...to maybe win as many as 10. Between development of what they have, the FA room they'll have next offseason, and the few draft picks they have, they SHOULD have the ability to add a handful of key parts to begin the step forward to being a contender in the next few years. Of course, I haven't forgotten, have they GOT their future QB right?

Echoing previous comments, Lee doesn't have to be a savior, and I doubt he will be. What he does is give another good defender in the INF and allows Castro to go back to being the super utility player he is. HOPEFULLY, with his shoulder sound again, he can be solid offensively again. But he doesn't have to carry the offense, just add to it. I agree that Farmer doesn't really belong any longer. But I can understand him still being on the roster for NOW when you reflect on the Twins being down both Lee AND Correa. It has nothing to do with $ at this point as he's been paid most of his contract already this year. It's just another solid glove and veteran bat who MIGHT give a hit here or there. He's a "for now" backup presence. But while I don't know that I see a DFA for him, I certain don't think he's on the post season roster with Lee and Correa both back.

Correa back mid September is fine by me. Gives the last couple of weeks to shake off any rust and get ready for October. The whole plantar thing is a freak type of injury. From personal experience, it can often be caused by footwear. My guess is that's PROBABLY the issue something that has to be addresses, and from reports, he's trying different shoes now, and needs to re-visit the issue before next offseason as well. My guess, he needs better arch support. But last year it was his left foot. Problem seemed solve. Suddenly it happened to the right foot this year. It isn't necessarily chronic if they figure out what caused it. But after he was OK late in 2023, and the first half of this season, it's nothing that probably couldn't and shouldn't have been expected to appear again. Especially to the OTHER foot. Correa is a GAMER. If he could play at anything close to an acceptable level, he'd be out there. And this is simply not something the Giants or Mets could have forseen in 2 years ago. Lee will be back first. He helps stabilize the INF and allows Castro to move around and help the overall lineup construction. All is not lost, but Correa back in a couple/few weeks makes a real difference.

I'm not expecting miracles this season. But I'm a little more optimistic about 2024 and the future than some. What blows my mind is, there's POTENTIALLY a chance that more UDFA are on the 53 man roster than draft choices from 2022-23. While I've never cared WHERE, or HOW, you acquire talent, that's pretty much inexcusable. Of course, the final roster isn't set, nor are we certain yet how some of those 1st two drafts ultimately turn out. Kwesi has done some really good things, IMO, including trying to get the payroll right. And I think he got the 2024 draft RIGHT. And again, some of the UDFA signings have been really good, along with a handful of practice squad players really stepping forward. But the 2022-23 drafts have to at least warm Kwesi's seat! DESPITE a couple bad drafts, I think this team might only be about 8 or 9 guys away from being REALLY GOOD. And that's a combination of starters and key backups. The biggest key for 2025 is McCarthy learning ad much as he can in film work and observation while getting ready for the various 2025 camps. I don't know how the final 53 is going to turn out with only the obvious candidates being cut so far...buuut... SAFETY is 7 deep if you want to give Cine another shot and you like the solid veteran McCain. I got that right didn't I? You don't keep 6 safeties, much less 7. But OUTSRANDING DEPTH! CORNERBACK is a massive FLUX area because you THOUGHT you had a stud young player in Blackmon, and then had the tragic loss of 4th round pick Jackson. But Gilmore and Griffen join Murphy. Evans, and maybe Moreau as depth. But McGothern has probably played himself on to the roster. Do they keep 6 CB? We might be OK for a season, but 3FA is scary for 2025. I think we might be surprised at ILB. I keep hearing we might only keep 3 considering how much nickel an dime packages are used and Asamoah might be gone. BUT, the OLB spot is so damn deep we might have trouble keeping everyone. I keep hearing Jones is on the bubble. Then I read he's had a great camp. Who to believe? Well, unless he's injured, they don't play the top players in preseason now. I'm guessing he's safe. Ward is a solid 4th-5th option. But Bo Richter has been a standout. UDFA Murphy might have been a STEAL, but has been hurt. Do they risk waiving him? Or do they use the 2nd IL option to keep him for a while before making a decision? Porter is a perfect PS option for now. How many teams could have this much talent, old and young, at this spit? Dl is the biggest ISSUE on this defense. Anyone want to argue? We gave ONE great player in Phillips. OBVIOUSLY, the team believes Bullard is good for ONE MORE year as a run first lineman with Tierney as the WILD CARD who can be good to great. LDR might just BE that X player steal. After that, it's a mystery. Redmond showed enough I want him on the PS. Taimani has really impressed. But do we need another run stuffing NT this year? He's a nice option for 2025 duty. Unless his presence allows Phillips to move around more. Dorsey has been mediocre at best. But do they give up on him after 1 season? Bet he makes the roster. But DL should be a top consideration in the offseason and draft next year, along with CB. On the offensive side of things, other than a YOUNG RB to take over for Jones, I'm not sure I see as many issues. We've got a couple really nice backups, but LONG TERM, we have a need. WR is STRONG with Nailor finally healthy and showing what he can do. Powell is very good in his role. Tristian Jackson has made himself in to legitimate NFL receiver. Sherfield is experienced and very solid. Jon3s and others look like solid development options. NO WAY you replace Hockensen. But Oliver and Mundt aren't bad options. Muse has teased since drafted. But it's starting to look like he might have become the athlete when drafted who's big enough, athletic enough, experienced enough, to make a mark now. He's got the talent to be productive and have a solid career. It's up to him. At the end of the day, QB play will determine 2024 for the Vikings. IMO, the defense will be good, but not "quite there" due to the DL. CB will be OK. The OLB spot will be good, and better in the future. But Phillips and a couple young players won't be enough to put the defense in the top 5. Top 10 probably. And that's great! Like the DL, there are questions regarding the OL. OT is NOT an issue. The starters are STUDS. Quessenberry is very solid. Rouse looks like a stud steal. While he might end up the PS. Jurgens has looked very solid to me. Robinson has looked as good or better. I can't decide if Ingam is better than some reports, or ready to be replaced. If you have your QB of the future, with talent around him available, you better be damn sure you get OL right. I believe Donaldson just might have the best year of his career. He's had one year, 2023. In a system, that was as well coached and flush with as much talent as the Vikings have right now. He's got arm talent. That's why he was such a high draft choice. I don't believe he's the future of the Vikings. Doesn't mean he can't have a good year and the Vikings can't have have a good year. But I think the talent on hand is pretty damn good. And it's looking better. It's getting ready for 2025. Doesn't mean we can't enjoy 2024. And we might surprise. I just think any doom and gloom should by put aside for some real potential to have a good and fun season where we might just compete