DocBauer

@trov and @ashbury, I also think mentioning Sabato in the same breath as Cruz IS a stretch to be sure, but not a horrible example along with Rooker. Could we toss Max Muncy in to the comparison as well? Absolutely NOT as direct comparisons, but simply as rough examples of players who somehow didn't figure it out until later in their career. After all, Cruz and Muncy simply weren't Cruz and Muncy until they BECAME Cruz and Muncy. So yeah, recent history makes Rooker a better example with some 20/20 rear vision. Again, I'm not yet sold. And @ashburyis correct to bring up a very high AAA OPS for Cruz at about the same age. And Sabato's K/BB numbers are disproportionately out of whack currently. And that's actually a bit surprising considering his college career and his first couple of MILB seasons where the AVG wasn't good, but he BB enough to always maintain a fairly decent OB%. But his current AVG is the best he's ever had as a pro, but the BB are way down. And the power has definitely been on display. So even though he just recently turned 27yo less than a month ago, he remains a mystery player. As a HITTER, his he turning in to a "Gallo type"? (Is that a new description for players)? Only, in this case, is he sacrificing OB% for a better AVG by just hitting hard line drives instead of taking BB? And then stroking a bunch of Dbls and HR? In truth, his current .933 OPS is nothing to sneeze at. While a TOP prospect ready for his debut might be more in the .950-1.000 OPS range, .933 is something to give a little credence to. Unless he goes on a heater the next couple of months, he's a POSSIBLE September call up when the Twins can add 1 more position player. But I think he's going to be behind a solid list of other possibilities. Can I state for the record YET AGAIN, that I DESPISE the 28 man September roster bump?! If you really and truly believe that the integrity of the games in September are somehow "lessened" because a non playoff team is playing prospects, you're being foolish. Let me say that again, MLB is worried that non playoff teams, many of who might have losing records, will suddenly provide an EASIER path to WINS for playoff teams playing teams who already have losing records down the stretch that could impact the final standings. Read that last paragraph again and convince me that isn't one of the most ridiculous positions MLB has ever taken? While a "losing" team might give a couple of weeks to a "good organizational guy" in September...which I believe to be a REAL WIN for the sport on a PR level...it's also JUST AS POSSIBLE that a handful of prospects come up for September and actually are HOT and make those "losing" teams even tougher to play. Regardless, I digress. Sabato won't be protected this offseason and shouldn't be. The ONE player addition made for September is going to be a higher prospect. But they also aren't going to "dump" him at this point either. They need players and depth at AAAA, so he's probably not going anywhere. But just as a reminder, Sabato wasn't drafted as some kind or BUM. He was drafted at 27 in the 1st round in the crazy 2020 season after his sophomore college season, which amounted to ONLY 19 games. Some college and HS teams didn't play at all. So he was drafted at 27 in a weird and crazy year, and still pretty young, and probably under developed. But there was the PROMISE of not only power, but a good eye that BB a lot. Well, again, he did that early in his MILB career. There's no question he's probably going down as a "wasted" pick that season. But again, I don't think the Twins will cut him. I think he's back at St Paul in 2027. And I'm certainly not going to bet on his future. Who knows, he might have an OPS ABOVE 1.000 early in 2027 and get his shot due to production and/or injury. And he might show something worth keeping around for a few years, similar to Rooker. THAT will be his chance. I just don't see it here in 2026 because I just don't see OPPORTUNITY.

@jmlease1jmlease1 I'm IN on Gonzalez coming back up for another shot. He really proves himself last season, and he's been on fire since early to mid May. BUT, I DON'T want him up as a platoon RH bat. I don't have his splits available at the moment, but with contact and power, I'm sure he can hit RHP at least decently. Rodriguez and Jenkins are, ideally, your corner OF next year. But there's room for Gonzalez at both corner spots once in a while against RHP, as a DH, and as a 1B fill in. Mendez could complicate the roster construction because I'd really like another RH bat besides Gonzalez. But I don't think it's going to be Fedko, and consider how he's been performing, I'm starting to doubt Martin's future. It stinks, but there might not be room for Roden, which is a shame. I think he's a really solid and versatile player who can do a bit of everything and help cover 1B as well. But there's only so many spots on a 13 man roster. Speaking of Mendez, what happen3d to him playing some 1B? Unless he just looks completely lost, keep playing him some there. It would be pretty awesome if he and Gonzalez could both play some 1B for Royce to have a day off, or if he gives Lee a day off, or has an injury.

There will be some who agree with my opinion and some who don't. And that's OK. I would prefer TP put his $ where his mouth is and start to expand the payroll, beginning with his own team. The team is better overall having Jeffers on it. I'd love an extensuon but don't expect one this close to FA. So he's probably traded. If he goes to a larger market team, he's not really a rental as they'd have the $ to just offer him a solid extension. So if they really like him. The payback to the Twins might be decent. Ryan should also be offered a fair extension option. Why wouldn't you at least try to keep a #1 caliber, All Star starter? If he says no, I still don't know if I trade him. He could be very valuable to the 2027 Twins, could still be moved at the 2027 deadline...though the return would be less...or even kept all season and then offered a QO to at least bring back a draft pick. While I understand the opinions of others regarding a nice return for Ryan, I'm not sure that he necessarily brings back what is needed or hoped for in a deal. By that I mean a playoff contender isn't going to offer up players on their ML roster for him. NOBODY is trading a young, talented, controllable SP currently on their roster to acquire Ryan. They still need that arm, and other players on their roster to compete. So we'd be getting prospects back, not immediate, PROVEN help. Now, is it possible 1 or 2 of the returning players are top 100 and sitting at AAA or AA and close to making a difference or debut? Absolutely. That's why I'm not totally out on trading Ryan. But I'd sure like to have him for 2027, if not beyond. And speaking of prospects, or acquiring more, is there something wrong with playing ours first? K-Pepper should be up in a couple of weeks to take over SS and let Kreidler be the SU option on the team. While Rodriguez won't be ready until August, he's out of options after this season, is a top 100 prospect in his own right, and we've seen the type of potential he has. Meanwhile, Rojas is back and raking at St Paul, joined by Jenkins, off to a good start on his return as well. Gonzalez has actually been doing pretty well after a poor April. And Mendez looks to be an absolutely pure hitter. Oh, and Keaschall is really, basically a rookie and we're still not 100% sure where he fits going forward. (Opinions will vary). So where do we put/play everyone? I'm not saying there aren't other good prospects available. But are we certain they would be better than our current prospects? Boy do I like an opening day 2027 rotation of Lopez, Ryan, Bradley, Abel, Prielipp, and Matthews. And that doesn't even include Ober, still under control, as a 7th option if his velocity comes back, or he can continue to be successful throwing "old school". How does an OF or Rodriguez, Buxton, and Jenkins sound? Probably Gonzalez as a corner OF/1B/DH option as well? I don't see room for both of Roden AND Wentz, but what a nice "problem" that would be. Yes, the bullpen still needs to be figured out. But much like the OF, the rest of the season is for the development of Morris, Rojas, CJ Culpepper, and possibly Raya and Klein. Maybe Festa still makes it back at some point? Maybe Cory Lewis gets moved to the Saints bullpen and gets some 2nd half work with the Twins? Plus, there is still FA in the upcoming offseason, and might Jeffers, Larnach, and Bell possibly bring back an interesting pen option or two? I think the team is better keeping Ryan, moving/removing various parts that don't fit long term, and get the prospects as much time as possible to get their feet wet, begin their careers, and get as much experience for 2027 as possible.

CJ looking Ike the next man up in the bullpen these days. Not tomorrow, but soon. I've been a fan for a while, so I'm feeling good he's the next successful bullpen convert. While he's not hitting as well for St Paul as he was at the begining of the season at Wichita, (impossible to maintain that kind of performance), he's doing really well still. Go have a look at his Baseball Reference page and see his total numbers for this season. Pretty impressive. I don't think we can say this is an illusion any longer. He might give Kreidler a run for his money as the Twins Super Utility player in 2027. I'm not exactly sold on Sabato yet, but this is his first FULL season at AAA after about a half season in 2025. Is there a chance he really could just be a late bloomer?? I wouldn't mind seeing him get a look see at some point this season, but he's behind more than a couple of guys on my list. Is Tait trying to prove that a recent article concerning a promotion to AA isn't a silly idea? How good he's been lately isn't really reflected in his season totals. But I'm as concerned about his glove and game calling as I am about his bat. If those are also improving, I could see a promotion by the end of July.

Unalienable is the feeling of getting your (Butt) beat. Just thrashed. The brutal knowledge that your opponent is simply better; and that any success on your end is a fluke, a mirage occasionally fading into sight, just to turn sour eventually. And it will. Thus is the mandate when the Great matches up against the meager Just Fine. Fortunately, not every team is Great, and sometimes, another Just Fine rolls into town just in time for a beleaguered team to lick their wounds and move on. REALLY? That's your opening? The Dodgers are the best team in MLB. And while the Twins simply had almost no choice but to give away game 2, they were RIGHT IN both games 1 and 3. There are NO moral victories in the final W-L totals of a season. But playing the Dodgers so damn close in games 1 and 3 where just one more pitch or one more hit might have allowed at least ONE win, it not TWO shouldn't be ignored. At LEAST we were competitive when we had a decent, solid SP to take the mound. So that's your opener? The Twins WEREN'T BUTT BEAT in games 1 and 3 when they had a legitimate SP on the mound. Nor were they "thrashed" in those 2 games previously mentioned. I'm sorry Matt, I usually enjoy your posts, but that's just poor journalism. But let's play the glass is half full game after tonight's win. And let's start with the "half empty" portion. 1] Bradley had an amazing 7 IP which put him at about 90 pitches thrown. I really don't want to bash Shelton for sending Bradley out for the 8th, but I believe he should have let Bradley rest at that point. The bullpen was rested after a day off. And Bradley hasn't been quite as sharp after his IL stint. With a 7-0 lead after 7 IP, I think he should have been sat down. It would be better for his arm with a big lead. 2] I think Funderburk got a bit snake-bit in his appearance. If he came in for a clean inning, things might have been better. 3] Kinda ditto for Orze. He didn't miss his pitches by much, but he sure wasn't good. Sometimes he looks pretty solid, and sometimes he doesn't. But that's what happens with mediocre BP arms. But let us ALSO recognize the glass half full. 1] Bradley was AGAIN a STUD through 7 IP. 2] Kreidler keeps looking like a keeper based on his defense. The play home to Caratini was OUTSTANDING. 3] Morris really did his job yet again as a reliever and as a fielder working with Lewis at 1B. 4] Lewis has adapted to 1B tremendously well so far. And he delivered the game winning hit tonight. He just LOOKS like a much more confident hitter. I just continue to belive Lewis's problem is mental. He just believes he's SUPPOSED to be so great his head gets messed up. If he's FINALLY realized he doesn't have to be GREAT, but just GOOD he might have turned a corner. This was a BS win, but still a win, So MAYBE some posters will understand there is a reason to pull starters once in a while. LOVE Lewis came through. It just shouldn't have been an extra inning game. 5] Despite an "interesting" game ONE where the Twins won but damned near blew it, can they rebound for missed opportunity and blow the Rockies out of Minnesota?

I see what you are saying. And I don't totally disagree. I think there is a MASSIVE problem financially in MLB that is really restricting BALANCE. And it can only be addressed by powers beyond us as fans. But I still have to disagree with the roster situation. Even with the Dodgers, for example, had 2 more spots to fill with quality players, the Twins could also fill those spots. That's a FO issue. Does that make a difference? Maybe. And maybe not. But I hesitate to use the Dodgers or the Yankees, or anyone else as an example. They, and others, are at the TOP of the ML feeding frenzy for talent. And that does need to change for balance of the game. The beauty of MLB is how things change game to game. Despite the Twins losing all 3 games, they were SO CLOSE to winning 2 of those games. But my idea of an expanded roster is simply to allow teams to have more depth than playing shuttle games with their roster. I politely disagree on comparing rosters to other professional leagues. I think an expanded roster allows better depth and balance. And I'm tired of injuries restricting things like brief appearances for players who are DFA the next day. I also despise the NFL for having a 53 man roster but only allowing 45 to play. WTH does that accomplish? It's just ridiculous. But at least they HAVE increased their roster size and have created crazy rules about their PS squads and promotions. And MAYBE the Dodgers would have had ONE more player or pitcher that would have made a difference in this last series. Or MAYBE the Twins would have had ONE more player or pitcher to make a difference. Honestly, I'm not sure i care, especially for ONE series. I just think the the way the game has changed the last few years, I just think it would be better served with an expanded roster. I just think it's time to FINALLY acknowledge that the game isn't the same as it was 20--30yrs ago. Bullpens matter more. Platoons here and there matter more. MAYBE, it's better for a smartly run team to have more options to build the most competitive team possible? But maybe you're right. Maybe subtle changes like an expanded roster only benefits the POWER teams. But I DO LIKE a smart team that might take advantage and build a better, more balanced team. While I'm no longer as big of an NFL than I used to be, the one thing I admire is the balance of payroll that means SMART teams make good things happen. Without major changes in MLB, even smart teams are going to have a hard time competing. I just like an expanded roster for the smaller market teams to have the ability to balance their roster better. Again, I'm just tired of roster restrictions seeing churn and burn. But I respect your opinion and don't disagree that we have different perspectives. 😀

I agree on Rojas working on a build up. Of course, he's also a work in progress in regards to control as well. For NOW, I think they want and need him to fill the role that they were using him, which is long relief or opening starter. And it makes sense. For now. It's possible Rojas follows a Santana/Liriano path and grows and develops and moves back to the rotation. But IMO, his future is as a late inning arm that might even have closer potential one day. With a little luck, we might start to see him transition to a later inning role before the season is done. Of course, that means Ober is back not too long from now, and HOPEFULLY Abel can throw in August, or September at the latest. Despite being older, but considering his MILB track record, and what he's done SO FAR to save the Twins azz, has Paredes thrown his hat in to the ring to be the 8th man in the bullpen? I don't fully buy in to the Twins 4 every 4 days philosophy, even though I see SOME merit in regard to coverage and development. But it would be nice to have a reliable arm that could throw 2-3 IP every 2-3 days as the #8 man in the pen. Funderburk really shined the last 2 months or so in 2025. And he didn't start out poorly here in 2026. My "hunch" is he was distracted by his wife's condition and the birth of his child and his focus went out the window. I'm not ready to give up on him yet. I still think there's something there. I sure hope he proves me right with his recent promotion. I'm excited as hell to see Raya really cranking it up to a new found level at St Paul and getting his first ML shot. And I'm fully prepared to see some bad games. But I'd rather see him struggle, gain experience, and get better than watching another 30+yo has been giving up massive runs. I'm just hoping the Twins and Twins fans cut him a little slack. Orze is nothing great. But he's had solid moments. I think he might have a future as a middle man. I'm not sure if he qualified as a "rookie" for 2026, but he's pretty close. I think he's an easy replacement for someone better, but he's been relatively solid so far. I know he didn't pitch much before being injured, but I kinda liked what I saw of Acton initially. But like Orze, he's probably easily replaceable. But depth doesn't stink. I am SO bummed that Festa has been hurt because I think most of us saw him as a potential late inning STUD that might even be a future closer. Look, I know I'm rambling, but I'm doing so for a couple of reasons. A] We HAVE seen a few victories in the pen with Gomez and the conversion of Morris. And we can all see the potential of Rojas. B] We also have to accept the fact that PART of building a better pen got screwed up from some injuries. Most importantly, Festa. But who is actually NEXT...beyond giving Raya some time, and hoping Funderburk FINALLY takes hold of a job? Well, the obvious is CJ Culpepper. He's always thrown fairly hard, but I've heard he doesn't always maintain velocity as a SP. That's not a problem as a RP. He has, I believe, 6 pitches that he mixes and matches between RH and LH batters. I've also heard that while none of those pitches are necessarily devastating, they're at least solid. So does he need to tone down his usage of some of them? Or tweak his offerings? Or do they work just fine for 1-2 IP? I really don't know. That's not my job. But his transition to the bullpen is going well. Solid 94-97 velocity and a bag of breaking offerings to frustrate batters. I think he's got real potential. Next on my list is Klein. He really frustrates me. He throws 95-97 and would probably throw a little harder if he only threw 1-2 innings. And he's got a couple solid secondary offerings that lead to high K numbers. When I read MILB reports and box scores, usually, I always see him 1-2 IP that are pretty clean. And THEN he offers up a HR or XB hit that allows runs. Honestly, he reminds me a lot of early Varland. The velocity and pure STUFF appears to be there. But I think he's really a 1-2 IP option, and NOT a SP, OR, a successful 4 & 4 guy. Much like Raya and his debut, and Morris fitting in, I'd really like to see Klein get a shot as a high velocity arm, with solid secondary stuff, and previous high K results, who might be good for 1-2 IP. A really good bullpen SHOULD HAVE a couple of guys who have arms capable of 2 IP every few days, plus the usual 1 IP back of the pen arms. And it would be awesome to have at least ONE GUY who could throw 2-3 IP every 2-3 days. Since Funderburk and Raya are now both up, it's CJ and Klein up next. And I'd really like to see that at some point. We NEED to be looking at 2027 and beyond. GUILTY PLEASURE: I still have a hunch that Cory Lewis, currently healthy again and pitching for AA Wichita, could really surprise. Maybe not this season, since he's missed so much time, but he was the Twins MILB pitcher of the year a couple seasons ago before he just "lost it" at AAA and then got hurt. But throwing as hard as he can, mixing in some decent breaking or off speed stuff here and there, and then throwing his CRAZY high velocity knuckleball NOONE has seen before, I REALLY think he has a chance to surprise. I just don't know if there's enough time here in this season for him to debut. He's still ramping up. But late this season or sometime in 2027, I think he might debut as a middle guy unicorn that just baffles batters for a couple of innings.

While this news is a MAJOR bummer and immediate blow to the rotation, the most important thing is Abel's overall health and future. The fact that two different experts have seen the same thing...no ligament damage...is a silver lining despite the overcast skies currently. While ANY surgery is never good, most arthoscopic procedures are usually relatively minor issues. Look, I'm by no means an expert here, but as the OP has pointed out, it could be a bone spur or a piece of loose material providing discomfort. Remember, he WAS dealing and feeling good initially before waking up with irritation. So until/unless his surgery offers up something bad that the MRI didn't pick up, I'm going with anything from a spur to a nerve or muscle a little out of place, or something similar that is not a "big deal" but just needs to be addressed. If that's true, we can probably still bank on seeing him in August, or September at the latest, to at least finish the season healthy and strong. But it really makes me hope that Ober is ready to go before too long. His velocity may never come back. But his smarts and pitching intelligence had him performing really well...most games...right up until the last appearance or two before he ended up on the IL. I'm betting he was "gutting it out" those last couple of starts. But even if Ober is no longer that really good #3 SP that he was, he just might end up being a hell of a #5. And there's real value in that! And no offense to Paredes, who's done way better than expected...and might have secured a serious look as a future long/middle man in the bullpen...but we could use Ober back. But again, the most important thing here is Abel's elbow looks SOLID from two separate reports. Glass half full? Without exact details, it appears he is only having a "minor" procedure. That's usually the case when we're talking about an orthoscopic procedure.

I'm going to admit some disappointment in Raya as he was one of my favorite prospects his first few seasons, and I couldn't wait to him pitch. When they drafted him, and I heard about some great STUFF for a HS kid, and being a good athlete, and having a bit of bulldog in him...considering he wasn't the biggest kid in the world, I thought maybe we got another Berrios. Alas, we all know how jis journey has transpired. But I've been VERY excited about him post a horrendous April. He's really settled in and seems to have found his role. With 4 solid pitches and a starter's background, I can see him capable of being a 2 inning arm initially. But if the STUFF is as good as advertised, it's possible he transitions to a higher spot at the end of the pen eventually. For now, it's going to be a lot of fun watching his initial entry in to MLB as a hard throwing middle man with K ability. I'm not exactly expecting greatness right off the bat. But as @miller761sstated, I'd much rather watch a young arm struggle but gain experience than watch another over 30yo DFA option get those innings. Losing Festa for the season...to this point at least...has been a real bummer and a potentially serious loss for the bullpen. Losing Cory Lewis until just recently was also a major bummer as I still have this gut feeling he could be a really good middle man who baffles opposing lineups for a couple innings. Might that still happen later this season? But Gomez has been a 26yo surprise revelation, even if some regression is eventually due. Morris has really taken to his bullpen role and I think his ERA is very misleading for what he's done and the potential he's shown. Personally, I think Rojas is going to end up as a late inning power arm by next season, if not later on this year. I also think that Banda, not too old, still under control, should be brought back as well. Now, Raya still has a lot to prove. And there are going to be growing pains. But I can live with that! His promotion is about potential and HIS future, and the future of the Twins bullpen. His command/control is going to be an issue until he proves it's not. But maybe he's just "wired" in a way where he mentally focuses better in shorter bursts than being a starter. Again, I'm very excited. But I hope the promotions don't end there. I think we'll see CJ Culpepper up before the season is over as well. And I'm still crossing my fingers that Festa isn't done for the entire season and might be up August, or even September, to get his feet wet in the pen. Slowly but surely, we're STARTING to form a relatively young pen with potential. But a small warning, let's give Raya a little rope before we make any rash determinations about his future. He's still young and has a live arm. He might not look like a stud over night.

To be fair, I didn't read anything beyond the headline. I didn't need to. The Twins battled on Monday against probably the best team in MLB and lost an extremely close game. Circumstances had us throwing a talented young rookie for a couple of innings and then tossed out a recently signed, mediocre or poor AAAA arm to just get through the damn game. While I am very disappointed by Rogers appearance, he wasn't signed this season to do anything but be a decent Coulombe replacement. He's largely done that, despite today's game/appearance. Unfortunately, this was a throw away game from the 1st pitch. So IDK if this really "defines" the Twins. I think that's unfair considering Monday vs a virtual "give up" game tonight. My hope is Ryan is ready for Wednesday. Does he have the stamina after being sick all weekend? I sure hope he does as winning 1 game against the Dodgers would make me feel really good.

I was spitballing in regard to a larger than 40 man roster simply to allow more fringe players to not go through so many DFA situations. Not sure that is the way to proceed, just an idea. But I absolutely disagree with a 25 man roster. The idea of FORCEING teams to just FORCE pitchers to throw 100 pitches and stay in the game for 7 innings plus is a pipe dream based on how baseball "used to be". Despite amazing velocities that we see today...88-90mph was excellent 40yrs ago...and tremendous breaking stuff, hitters today are not only bigger and faster and more athletic, but they have better scouting and actual IPads in the dugout to watch their AB and see what they did and what the pitcher is throwing!. In today's game of athletic change, if we actually restricted the roster as you proposed, the game would become a bit of a farce where we'd see games of 14-12 consistently. NFL type of scores. And speaking of the NFL, there was a time where they played with a 40 man roster. The game was ground and pound. If you were hurt, you still played no matter what. While I DESPISE a 53 man roster but only being able to PLAY 45 on game day...just SILLY and makes no sense...they have adjusted roster size, and even come up with rules regarding ups and downs from the practice squad to fill out their game day roster. The NFL game has recognized changes in their game, even if I don't like how they manage game day. But like it or not. MLB has also changed. Again, you just aren't going to see SP dominate, generally speaking, the way they used to. Even before the full time DH happened, you USED to have a 10-11 man staff. The AL had a DH. A NL club had a special PH. That still left 14 or sometimes 15 position players for depth and possible platoons. Sorry, and you may yearn for the way the game was played a couple decades ago, but it's just not the way the game is played today. The NFL hasn't been ground and pound for decades now. And MLB is no longer a collection of 2 or 3 200+ IP SP and a handful of guys who finished games. I am a HUGE believer that the owners and players need to pull their heads out of their collective and stubborn AZZ's and establish some sort of mutual profit sharing, similar to the NFL if not exactly, for the betterment of the GAME. SOME sort of ceiling and floor just makes sense. FORCE owners who are making $ off the teat of MLB to spend more, which profits the lower level earning players, or makes those lousy owners more ready to sell their teams. How pissed might you be as an owner of the Yankees, or the Dodgers, sending $M's to a team that isn't even trying but is pocketing $? BALANCE is going to be an issue that is that keeps MLB healthy, or die a slow death. But wishing the game itself to be played the way it was 30 years ago just isn't going to happen. Power PLAYS. The SB is starting to come back. But the art of pitching has changed. Can you imagine some of today's hitters facing off against most of the arms throwing in the 70's, 80's, and even the 90's? They would RAKE! I'm not picking on you. I'm simply pointing out how all sports, including MLB has really changed over the years. And it's not going back, even with rule changes are making it a bit more exciting. But FEWER players or pitchers will only elevate fewer moves, less depth, and weekend softball types of scores. And I don't think any of us want to see that.

While I agree that the proverbial "log jam" seldom occurs, I DO AGREE with the basic premise of a "promotional problem". Regardless if you believe the current team can reach .500, or sneak in to the playoffs, the Twins are ATTEMPTING to do both as an organization. Playing winning baseball and extending the season in the playoffs...regardless of final record...is more FUN than NOT playing winning baseball and NOT being in the playoffs. But what I personally care about most of all is setting the team up for 2027 and beyond. Anything other than that might be FUN, and I can enjoy it, but as a fan, it's my objective to see the team get ready for 2027. BUT, look at it from the perspective of ownership, the FO, and MOST IMPORTANTANTLY from the PLAYERS perspective. If they have a chance to win games and sneak in to the playoffs, the TEAM would love to do that. So, like it or not, NOBODY is going anywhere tomorrow. You're just NOT going to see Bell DFA when he's heating up AGAIN, as his career MO. Now, he might be moved at the deadline for SOMETHING in return opening up a roster spot for a younger player, but it's not going to happen tomorrow. Larnach's power has almost disappeared, but he's playing better defense, is hitting, getting OB, and producing, just in a different way than expected. But he's also not going to be DFA, or traded before the deadline. Again, as an organization, the Twins are TRYING to win. An no team doing so is going to DFA bats doing well. But they might move on from players not expected to be part of the 2027 season at the deadline. So yeah, there is a bit of a PROMOTIONAL problem. Roden SHOULD have broke ST with the Twins instead of Outman. Only the FO disagreed with the obvious. (I would have kept Rodriguez as well, but different topic, different day). Roden doesn't need more than a few games to be ready for a promotion. The problem there is who does he replace? Martin and Fedko offer a pair of RH bats that "fit" the roster better at this point. Martin is no "disaster", he's just proved he should normally play against LHP. Fedko may or may not prove to be a ML ballplayer. But he brings RH balance, has only played a few games so far, and has the POTENTIAL to be better in his role than Martin. So why be so quick to demote him before he gets an honest chance to see what he might be able to do? With Larnach and Clemens currently holding down the LH portion of the corner OF spots, where does Roden "fit"? If an injury happens almost anywhere other than catcher or SS, then Roden is 1st man up with some easy roster manipulation. Nobody is more bummed than me in regard to Wallner. I've been a fan and believer his entire career. But he's not taking BB at St Paul, which is something he used to do. And for some reason, he can't connect on anything 95mph or above. So he's not deserving of a promotion at this time. And Rodriguez, unfortunately, probably doesn't play until August. So again, Roden is 1st man up. But currently, there isn't room unless there is an injury, or Martin or Fedko is sent down, and neither deserves it currently, or so soon. So Roden sits and waits. Jenkins was on a hot streak before his injury. He needs time to get back in a groove. Maybe a couple of weeks? But then again, he might be behind Roden and there's still not "room" at this point. Mendez is out currently, but his BAT looks about ML ready even as his power is still developing. So he's a ways down the list of promotion options. Gonzalez got off to a slow start, but has been really heating up for weeks now. And while his defense might lag behind Martin and Fedko, I think he's got a potential ML BAT. I think it's possible that Martin and Fedko could be in silent competition for the BEST RH 4th-5th OF. IF Fedko gets a legitimate chance to prove himself. Good speed from both, decent to good OB ability from both, more power from Fedko. Similar defense from both, but maybe a slight edge to Fedko as an occasional CF. So if Fedko can actually be given a run to prove himself, he MIGHT surpass Martin as an option. And that doesn't mean Martin might not win that competition. So, despite injuries that have set a number of top prospects back...and I still consider Roden a prospect...where is the OPPORTUNITY for advancement? Until the trade deadline where the Twins might get SOMETHING for Bell and Larnach, there IS a PROMOTIONAL issue. Roden is already ready. Jenkins might not be that far behind. Despite a poor start to the season, Rodriguez has really been heating up. Mendez, so young and currently out, might be excused until 2027. But Rodriguez might not be ready until August, and he's out of options, so he HAS to be part of the end of this season to get him ready. Unfortunately, this all might leave Wallner out of the Twins future plans. It also means there is still NO ROOM for promotions available for Roden and Jenkins, and possibly Rodriguez, until Bell and Larnach are moved, and the Twins make a decision on Martin and Fedko. Clemens still has a place on the team due to production and versatility. But YES, CURRENTLY, there is an issue with promotion possibilities. Not a "log jam" of talent...though it's about as close as I've ever seen it...but ROOM just HAS to be made over the next 40 days for the FUTURE.

I agree totally. I don't want to penalize players from having the freedom to move about for better opportunities in their careers. But I wonder if a 45 man roster would make a little more sense. Perhaps there should be a tweak in how many options a player has in their career, or maybe after signing with a new team said player gets an additional option? Maybe they would gain said option if they haven't been on a 40 man for X number of seasons? I'm just spitballing off the top of my head. Personally, I really liked the 28 man roster we had during the covid season. The game has changed over the decades, but other than moving to a 26 man roster, there's been little change over the years in regard to rosters.

Good call. I admit I hadn't stopped to consider we needed SOMEONE to fill the middle innings Tuesday.

I don't get it. Laweryson wasooking pretty good earlier in the season before his injury. It seeems.lime he was a little hit and cold since he came back, but I thought he was looking more like his old self lately And Voth offers what exactly?

Man, if Cholowsky's "down" season is enough to pass on, SIGN ME UP. The Dirty Sox might have a nice looking INF with other good looking INF prospects in their system, but it's kinda like looking at recent Twins articles where Lee is fitting in well at 3B and showing improvement with his bat, Keaschall's bat is really looking good, K-Pepper is ready to take over SS, but Houston might be ready to take over SS late 2027 or early 2028! How do we fit everyone in? Where does everyone play? SURELY the Twins don't need Cholowsky to add to the mix?! Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? The Sox have to do what they think is right. And if they think a dual threat catcher in Lackey is the way to go, so be it. If they think an arm like Flora can quickly front their rotation as a #2, then go for it. I just don't see it. But even IF that happens, why do I have a hard time seeing the Rays taking him? Is it their semi normal stance for younger talent to develop like an Emerson? Or someone like Bell who they're already in love with and can maybe save $ for someone else later? IMO it's at LEAST 75/25 the Dirty Sox go with Cholowsky. And that's being conservative. Now the Rays ALWAYS do their own thing, so it's 50/50, or 60/40 they would take Cholowsky instead of Emerson or Bell. So I guess there's a CHANCE Cholowsky ACTUALLY slips to #3. I just don't see it. The Sox have surprised us before, but I don't think they do this time. They draft Cholowsky. You ACTUALLY have too much INF talent? You move guys to the OF or you trade for what you need. I think the biggest question is WHAT IF the Rays ACTUALLY draft Bell and pass on Emerson? NOW there's a quandary! Do you take the best overall HS player in Emerson who has a tremendous HIT tool along with defense and solid speed and power potential, OR, do you take maybe the 2nd best BAT from college who can be a 2-way Catcher for your club in a couple of years? Isn't that an interesting choice? I don't know that isn't going to be the choice the Twins have to make. Rewind for a moment, I just don't think it's going to he a hard choice. The Sox WON'T be stupid, and they will grab Cholowsky. The Rays will recognize Emerson is as good, if not better, of a prospect as Bell. And the Twins will pause for about 5 seconds to regard Flora as a REALLY good pitching prospect, and then gather their senses, and remember that Lackey is not ONLY the next best BAT, but also a premium position player at catcher and they will race to the podium for their selection. BPA also meets team need at the same time. What more could the Twins wish for in this draft?

A lot to unpack here, so I'm going to TRY and be brief as is possible for ME in bullet points. 1] IF the Twins reach the playoffs, however it happens, that's more fun than not reaching the playoffs, regardless of the final record. But what I care about is establishing a CORE for 2027, and that's always been my #1 priority. I've always said this season was in 2 parts: A] Trying to be relevant and sit around .500 B] Letting the young arms and bats get established come the 2nd half. 1A] The news about Abel is frustrating and scary. Hoping and praying it's just a minor irritation that happens when cranking back up again and nothing worse. The proverbial "silver lining" to injuries is watching Bradley develop, Abel develop, Matthews develop, Prielipp develop, Morris make a nice initial transition to the BP, Rojas flashing as he kinda/sorta transitions to the BP and the surprise of Gomez. There may be others. 1B] It's not yet TOO LATE on June 22nd for the position players to debut and make a difference, or even get their feet wet. Rojas is ready, Jenkins is back at AAA, and Gonzalez is heating up. K-Pepper should have been brought up a week ago. He'll be up soon. There's still time for Rodriguez and Mendez to finish the season strong. I don't want NON 2027 and beyond position players to block the prospects. But injuries happen, the trade deadline approaches, and we have half a season to still make decisions and see debuts. 2] The LINEUP is producing relatively well, with some surprise offerings. But the defense has slowly improved as well. Kreidler is NOW starting to become the daily SS. And he should be. His bat is NOT THIS GOOD, but it might not be as bad as expected. His St Paul numbers were FAR better than his career MILB numbers. At 28yo, has he learned to not just STINK as a hitter? If he only hits .200 with some power and a little speed, with his defense and versatility, he's a ML player. If he can hit .230, he becomes even more valuable. My apologies to Gray, who's done OK and lived his dream, but he's probably down when K-Pepper is up. Is it my imagination, or have there been no video replays of "good plays" Keaschall has made lately in various blogs? My apologies if I've missed them. 3] Lewis has REALLY taken to 1B. I've been impressed. It's difficult to balance his first few really good games vs a couple poor recent games. SSSS is in play. But the past couple of games that we want to call "bad", the previous to demotion Royce would have swung at some very bad pitches, even flailed at them in embarrassing fashion. He didn't do that. So for NOW, I'm betting on an improved version who just had a couple bad games. 4] The CURRENT version of the bullpen, especially now that the Lawrence experiment is done, is not great. But it's a hell of a lot better than the pen we started with. Banda has really turned it around. Rogers is still OK sorta filling the Coulombe role last season. Orze isn't great by any means, but he's OK most days and might get better. But Morris continues to make a nice transition to the pen. While it's hard to fully trust Gomez at this point, even with some regression, he looks like a late inning keeper. They still need more, of course. One of the summers about Abel being out...again, hopefully it's just a small, normal issue like inflammation from ramping back up...as it puts Rojas back to a mid pen role again. How good might he be, even as a rookie pushed early, if he could just cut loose for 1 IP, 2 IP at the most? But right now, he's probably "stuck" in a long role to follow Paredes. That limits the pen in 2 ways. It limits Rojas, but might also keep Paredes as the best #8 man in the pen who might be that 2-3 IP every 2-3 days guy the pen needs without having to have different arms ride the rails every few days. I never saw that coming, but it might be a viable option. 5] Don't lose momentum on the homestand. You lost 2-1 in game one. Don't get blown out in games 2 and 3. Win ONE, PLEASE and let Colorado feel your wrath and take care of them. 6] We still have half a season left to see MORE of our young pitchers and maybe see MORE of them debut in different roles. We STILL have time to see a lot of the young bats, just PLEASE don't hold them back.

I haven't totally given up on Cossetti as a backup catcher who can also play some 1B and bring some power. But his initial production at AA hit a wall. It was better in 2025. Recently his bat has taken off. At his age, I don't have a problem with him going to AAA. After all, Cardenas has been a bit bummer with his bat this season. But I'd wait 2-3 more weeks to make sure this isn't just a hit streak and he can maintain his production. But I'd really like to know how his game calling and defense are doing. Tait will be 20yo in a matter.of days. Still very, very young. But there's more to being a catcher than his bat. He still needs to refine his defense. And similar to Cossetti, is he just on a hit streak? Or can he maintain his offense another 2-3 weeks? I'd like to see a few more BB, while maintaining what his bat has been doing. If that happens, I have no problem with a mid July promotion. That would allow even more time behind the plate for Jiminez. But if his OVERALL game at ONLY 20yo means he needs more time at A+, I'm OK with that too. CJ Culpepper reminds me a bit of Jax in that I believe he's still using the majority of his 6 offerings, mixing them between LH and RH batters. Can anyone clarify that? He's got good velocity and seems to maintain it better in a couple of IP vs 5 IP. Now, Jax continued to hone and add pitches as he went along. CJ seems to be throwing harder and still mixing in his repertoire. I have no problem with that as long as those other offerings are WORKING and 1 or 2 aren't needing to be eliminated or tweaked to something else. I think CJ will get a shot some time in the 2nd half. While not finished products to BANK on for 2027 and beyond, I think he and Morris and could provide some solid 7th-9th inning power and good K results. Mix them in with Banda and Rojas, the BASE for a solid bullpen is starting to take shape. (MAN would I like a healthy Festa before the season is done getting some pen time)! Don't look now, but we might see Raya sometime in the 2nd half as well. I've still got some doubts, but since the end of May/first of June he's been really, really good. Is the light starting to turn on? I also think Winokur is ready, or just about ready for a promotion as well. He's really responded since a really poor start. I think Houston was ready for his promotion. I still wonder if Rosario begining the year at AA due to the initial AAA logjam didn't do a number on his head? Regardless, he's fully reestablished himself again and is ready for his promotion as well. Awesome to see Jenkins back at St Paul. Now the question is much time is enough time to get back in a good groove? He was really heating up before his injury. HOWEVER, I believe Roden is next in line for the Twins. And he should be. He should have broken camp with the Twins over Outman, and I think everyone OTHER than the Twins recognized this. I'm sure he will need a couple weeks to get in a good flow, but his first couple games back have been excellent. The problem is, currently, the position portion of the Twins roster FINALLY has some good balance to it. It's even better if Fedko gets a legitimate shot to play...not exclusively against LHP...and shows he has a CHANCE to be a solid RH 4th/5th OF. But you aren't going to just replace Larnach, Clemens, or Bell right now. I don't want non 2027 and beyond players to block anyone. And the deadline may change some things. Injuries also provide opportunities. But for the next few weeks, it looks like Roden and Jenkins just need to keep hitting and waiting.

If anyone had Paredes on their Twins bingo card for the season, you should go out and buy a lottery ticket immediately. It's not that he's throwing great, but he's been surprisingly solid so far. I'll take 5 IP, 6H, and only 2 runs all day long from a guy who wasn't arguably ever supposed to pitch for the Twins at any point in 2026. Part of me wonders if he isn't securing a position in the bullpen as an 8th man who can give you 2-3 innings every 2 to 3 days in the future? Tremendous road trip. I hope we can surprise the Rodgers with some home cooking to keep the team on a roll.

I didn't want Kreidler on this team because he simply projected as literally one of the worst hitters in all of MLB. I was fine keeping him as depth, but I was also fine simply cutting him to add someone else. There's just no way he's as good of a hitter as he's been in his short time with the Twins. But while also a relatively SSS, what I noticed...before he was brought up...was that he was having a season in AAA far superior to his career MILB numbers. That gave me some hope that maybe something had changed in his approach or swing that might indicate actual improvement. Has he? IDK. But so far it sure looks like he has potentially raised his floor as a hitter. The glove is clearly superior to any other SS they've played this season. So he clearly should be the primary SS for the time being. I agree that Gray might be a nice LH hitting utility option off the bench. And nothing says he can't play SS a a day or two a week, but that should be about it in regard to SS. Unfortunately for him, K-Pepper will be up soon...should have been already...and someone else will be going down. And that's probably Gray.

There are 5 players that I'm fully intrigued by and OK if the Twins draft any of. The obvious 3 of Cholowsky, Emerson, and Vahn Lackey. But I also really like Flora and prep SS Lombard. Lombard comes from a baseball family. His father is a very well respected coach with the Tigers, and his older brother is a top prospect with the Yankees. By all reports he's a LEGIT SS with hands, range, and a big arm. He's also got BIG power potential. I believe he runs fairly well, but I'm not sure about top speed. There are some questions about his contact/hit tool, but if he answers that, he could make teams who pass on him look silly. He's AT LEAST a top 10 pick. Flora is a very, very good looking pitcher. #1 in this draft. But he's not Skenes. But he seems to have a solid floor, and a really good ceiling. Could the Sox or Rays make a move in one of the first 2 spots? I wouldn't be disappointed if the Twins grabbed him at all! But I think he's #4 for a reason. And that reason is the talent of the top 3 is just so damn good. It starts with the Dirty Sox doesn't it? They've pulled surprises before. I can see a scenario where they really believe in Flora as a front line pitcher that could ready in 2 years. I can also see them falling in love with Vahn Lackey as their catcher of the future that might also be ready within 2 years. But I just don't see how they could pass on Cholowsky. Other than average speed, he's the complete package of defense and offense. He probably debuts in 2028. Some say he could ready late in 2027. His production slipped a little this season compared to 2025, but COME ON! The guy absolutely RAKED. I just don't understand how they could pass, but again, they're known for draft day surprises. Emerson just FITS with the Rays MO of young LH bats with talent. And this kid screams a junior version of Bobby Witt Jr. A junior junior, lol. The fit seems almost too perfect for them. BUT, they DID draft a similar player in Bell previously. And Bell is still considered a top 10 talent. The Rays are known to have a great scouting department. Are they still in love with Bell? Or do they see Emerson as perhaps a better version? Unless the Twins surprise us with Flora or Lombard, both great potential selections, this SHOULD be easy. They pick whoever is "left" between the top 3. "Left" is very much tongue in cheek. In a world of baseball gods that tend to smile and laugh when Twins top prospects ALWAYS seem to have to endure at least one season of bad injury...why did they ever pick the Twins to be the brunt of their joke anyway...the Dirty Sox would pull out ANOTHER surprise and grab Flora or Vahn Lacky at #1. The Rays would then snag Emerson or Bell because the FIT their profile. The reason I say this is not because there's a SMALL chance this happens, but because a kid with a name like Cholowsky should be a Twin. LOL. But seriously, the Twins simply can't lose here. ANY of the top 3 probably gives them an immediate top 100 prospect. While it's 3 and not 5, this is similar to 2023 where we got Jenkins. I'm still assuming the first 2 picks go chalk. It just makes sense. So I'm still betting on Vahn Lackey as the Twins selection. But I'm fine with ANY of the top 3. Considering I can't believe the Sox would pass on Cholowsky, my hunch is Emerson or the rumored Bell is #2. I'd really like Vahn Lackey because I think he offers fulfillment on 2 levels. 1] He's the second best college bat available behind Cholowsky 2] He plays an important defensive position that the Twins are currently short on. (Our catching prospects are recently promoted to AA, or sitting at A+) If the Sox and Rays want to give Cholowsky to us gift wrapped, I won't complain a bit. The ONLY SILLY complaint I could POSSIBLY have with Emerson is he'd be a good 3yrs away from his debut. And I'm subject to instant gratification like most of us. But with K-Pepper ready, and Houston looking so very good, should any of us care if Wit Jr junior is our pick and takes 3yrs or so to reach MLB? We just shouldn't.

Without repeating my rant from another post concerning players that might be traded, I'm sick of all the discussion of "having" to move good players that we've developed. (I understand that goes back to ownership). And the whole playoff idea is fun. Regardless of final record, who would be upset to see the Twins play a few more games in the post season? Do I think this is an actual contending team? Not at all. But IF they were in the playoffs and not sitting at home, I'd watch, cross my fingers, and see if they could sneak in a couple of wins. What I care about is finishing the season better than it began. (Excluding the first couple of weeks which were also fun BTW). IMO, the Twins have a fairly short list of what they SHOULD do. 1] Tom and the FO need to step up to the plate and reach to Jeffers and Ryan about extensions. So close to FA, I doubt Jeffers would sign up, and no question Boras will advise him not to. But what if Jeffers would actually LIKE to stay a Twin? IDK, maybe 4yrs and $60M? Maybe front load the first couple of years a bit considering how low the payroll sits currently? Ryan, OTOH, is still 1 1/2 seasons away from FA status. While he's been a great performer and great teammate, maybe he's not interested. But again, what if he LIKES being a Twin and would like to stay one? And financial security is a good thing. Again, IDK what it would take. Does 4yrs and $100M at least get the conversion started? Maybe 4 and $115? And once again, with such a low current payroll, maybe you front load the deal? Remember, Lopez only has one more year on his deal. That may or may not affect the final number the Twins would be comfortable with. I'm just saying, you are REALLY running the organization poorly if you don't make an honest attempt to reach out and test the waters. Time for TP to put his $ where his mouth is. If the answers are no, despite an honest effort, then you might have to consider moving BOTH. 2] Cross your fingers and hope all of Rodriguez...still out for a while I know...Jenkins, Roden, Rojas, Sands, and Festa can get/remain healthy and get them ALL involved ASAP and begin the roster turn over for the future. Additionally, K-Pepper has only a mild injury and should be full go again very soon. Mendez is a scary good looking hitter, and Rodriguez has been getting really hot after a bitterly cold start. I think CJ Culpepper has a shot to be really good in the pen. And is Raya FINALLY starting to put it together? His last few weeks have looked pretty impressive. 3] Even IF SOMEHOW Jeffers and Ryan DID accept extensions, there are players that are just not part of the future. Does Larnach really have a future beyond this season with the Twins? I seriously doubt it. Bell is following his career MO and heating up. There's probably a market for both for a playoff bound team that could use another bat. Would the return be of any great value? Probably not. But could either maybe bring back a AA or recent AAA promoted live arm destined for a pen? Possibly. Rogers probably wants to go out as a Twin. But it would be a nice reward if he could finish his career...just speculating he's about ready to retire...in the playoffs and have a shot at a ring. He probably only brings back an A flyer, but that's OK. Banda maybe, even though he's still under control. That makes him a nice "keeper" but might also increase his trade value. I rambled, but I think the point is made. You need to make room for the young talent, and you might get a surprise or two in any return. 4] I don't believe the Twins should be buyers in the classic sense. They're just not going to bring in a big name that could somehow push them over the top. This really IS a transition season, and it was always going to be one. (Unfortunately, some injuries have slowed that transition). But is there a live arm or two in another organization that sits at AA or AAA or even on the 26 man of another organization that is blocked, or struggling somewhat, or is just begining a bullpen transition? Think Varland just before he broke out in the Twins bullpen. THAT could be an example of being a "buyer" at the deadline, in addition to whatever the likes of Bell, Larnach, etc might bring back. THAT should be the checklist. In a baseball fantasy world, ownership would STEP UP as promised and make solid offers to Jeffers and Ryan and we can STOP with all this "Twins are sellers" nonsense and get back to our regularly scheduled program. But they can still move some small pieces, and maybe make a small move or two for a couple young arms. Unfortunately, step #1 probably doesn't happen. Or if they attempt it, they probably end up low balling and the result is the same. But one more time, you don't KNOW unless you make an HONEST effort. So while I don't believe the Twins are "buyers" other than some potential, smaller deals, they might end up as both sellers AND buyers based on moving the BIG TWO, and some additional smaller deals. We can only hope the return is really, really good. But one last time, I'm sick and disheartend that we're even talking about 2 very good and very important players that we have developed simply due to financial restraints that just seem bizarre to me.

Just want to ad that CJ Culpepper has been looking pretty good at AAA with his conversation to the pen so far. And while Rojas might still end up in the rotation at some point, he's looking more and more like an amazing BP arm. And I still believe if the Twins would just make Klein a 1-2 IP option, he might surprise.

My answer is YES. IMO, his ERA is a bit misleading. Not only is he a rookie, but he's been bounced about as a middle guy and a late guy and a situation guy. A couple of his early appearances, he looked really good for a couple of innings, and then gaved up runs in his 3rd inning. I really didn't understand him being the "starter" in a BP game a week ago. He didn't do well. (I forget which game it was, sorry). But it robbed the Twins of having him available in that game, and the next. Couldn't SOMEONE else have been that designated starter? ERA is often a misnomer in regard to actual production. Some of his runs allowed are due to those early appearances where he was stretched. Moriss is NOT a finished product as a rookie. Do we actually expect him to be so? Sorry for a bad memory, but he was brought in earlier than I expected for the last Cardinals game, or was it against the Rangers? And then I realized he was brought in to face the heart of the lineup. So Shelton has decided he's the FIREMAN in the bullpen currently. He reminds me a lot of Jax. He still has a repertoire of a SP. And that's not a bad thing. We often talk about a RP honing their repertoire down to only 2 pitches, 3 max. But Jax was so good not only due to velocity increases, but he kept playing with other offerings. If you recall, even Duran played around and developed different offerings. I think we need to dismess Morris's ERA, and concentrate on his development this season. There will be speed bumps here and there, but he's starting to develop in to a legitimate back end of the pen arm. It takes time. But he's looking more and more like an arm we can trust.

A great SWEEP. The defense was solid, the offense produced, and for the most part, the pitching was excellent overall. But I'm on board with everyone else in regard to Lawrence. I GET he throws hard and has an odd delivery that is interesting. But he's been an implosion every time he's appeard so far. MAYBE they see a "fix" that they are working on to develop under developed potential. But so far, the experiment looks AWFUL. I really want a healthy Sands back to see if he can recover anything close to his 2024 production, though he wasn't exactly a disaster in 2025. And I can't wait to see Rojas back. While it's super intriguing to think of him as a SP with more development time, he reminds me a lot of Santana and Liriano as a POWERFUL arm who MIGHT transition back to the rotation at some point. Or he might just be the next Perkins. But this experiment with Lawrence should be brief. IDK if most of this season is about kids getting their opportunities and experiments in the bullpen. You WON with Gomez. Please don't play too long with an arm this crazy. Either fix it, or let it go. 4 wins in a row is awesome. DON'T stop putting the pedal to the floor. Make this a solid road trip PLEASE! A 5-4 road trip would be very good. Could we steal a game in Arizona and go 2-1 and then 1-2 against the Dodgers? That would be a hell of a nice road trip.