DocBauer

I don't disagree with you. But they aren't trying to add a veteran starter with fingers crossed and hope that he suddenly "finds himself" again. On a MILB, they added a solid, veteran glove man to challenge for the job of backup SS and utility INF. His bat was pretty good in 2023, and quite mediocre in 2024, but the power was nice. But this is a temporary position until Culpepper...and maybe a couple others...are ready to bump whoever has the job off the roster. Personally, I would have preferred a younger option with upside like Castro was a couple years ago. But I'd rather have a veteran like Arcia around to challenge for the spot instead of just handing it to Kreidler.

I'd really like to see what Taimani could do with a chance at some regular playing time. He's impressed me each of the past 2 preseason and looked OK in very brief action on the regular season roster. Overall, the DL is very deep and a nice combination of veterans and young players. I don't know if Taimani has simply been pushed out by that depth, or because he's a classic run stuffer, NG type that Flores has been reluctant to use him.

So we're basically saying the exact same thing. Especially concerning Lewis, Lee, and Keaschall in their respective spots daily. I also want Culpepper up ASAP. And I don't see the Twins holding him back as he only makes the INF better and deeper, and there will be PLENTY of games and AB for 4 guys in 3 spots. But as bad as Arcia was in 2025, he was decent in 2023 and still provided power and 46 RBI. For a glove first player, that's not awful. And again, vs Kreidler, Arcia only hitting to his career average numbers would still be an improvement over Kreidler. So I'll take a cheap, MILB deal for a veteran glove man for depth and insurance any day over a guy with a .383 ML OPS. And Kreidler's .743 career OPS isn't a lot to brag about either. It would be great if the 28yo Kreidler could suddenly find a different level as a hitter. But I'm not betting on it.

What young utility player, back up SS would you play ahead of him? Kreidler is 28yo and can't hit in MILB, and has hit worse than some pitchers used to in his brief ML career. Culpepper has ONE full pro season, has yet to play above AA, and you'd rather give him a full time job? At the expense of what other young INF in Lewis, Lee, or Keaschall? Schobel had a really nice rebound 2025 but then got hurt right after being promoted to AAA and didn't play a lot the 2nd half. So what young player could Arcia, if he makes the club, could he possibly be blocking? He, Kreidler, and possibly Fitzgerald are temporary depth pieces. They are blocking NO-ONE.

As stated in the front page post, I kinda like this signing. Kriedler's bat makes Arcia look like a Silver Slugger contender. I expect little from Arcia's bat, but 4 times in his career he's managed double digit HR, including 2023-24. And while he may not have the glove he used to, he's still solid as well as experienced. Considering the lack of INF depth, I never would have removed Fitzgerald from the roster when there were options like Outman and Gasper instead. K-Pepper is the future, but he's not ready yet. I think Tanner Schobel might provide depth at some point in 2026 as well, but he's also probably not ready yet after losing time post AAA promotion. And I don't know about you, but I didn't like the idea of Kreidler being the primary option at back up SS. It would be awesome if Kreidler suddenly developed a better bat and turn himself in to a competent ML hitter. But having a veteran option like Arcia...on a MILB deal no less...makes me feel better, even in the short term.

I guess I'm the contrarian here. While there is nothing about this signing that moves the needle, I like that it helps prevent the needle from dropping. Arcia isn't much of a hitter and never has been. But 4 times in his career he's popped double digit HR, including as recently in back to back 2023-24 seasons. And while he's not the glove he used to be, he provides a serviceable, veteran glove to provide cheap stability on a MILB deal. I absolutely would have kept Fitzgerald on the 40 man and removed Outman or Gasper post Wagaman trade. And look, I wouldn't be upset if Kreidler suddenly blossomed as a hitter and played a great SS and earned a deserved 26 man spot. But when Kreidler makes veteran Arcia look like a good hitter, I can't hate a MILB depth move like this. K-Pepper is a big part of the future. I think we should all remember Tanner Schobel who had a great bounce back 2025 season that was derailed somewhat by injury. Both should be sitting at St Paul and both should help the Twins at some point in 2026, Culpepper as a top prospect and Schobel as a potentially solid depth piece. But neither is ready yet. And I wouldn't be disappointed if Fitzgerald passes through waivers and returns to St Paul for additional depth. But I really didn't want to start 2026 with Kreidler as the only option at backup SS.

I was never in favor of trading for Thielen. And if I was tempted to, it never would have been for anything but a late rounder or conditional pick. But he/they did. And while he sat and didn't produce, they cut him ONE WEEK later than they needed to in order for the cost to be a later round pick. Shouldn't the GM understand the terms of his own deal? Drafted LB Kobe King was basically dumped earlier this season due to roster maneuvering. Rookie UDFA Austin Keys, however, was kept ahead of King. That is until this past week when he was allowed to be poached by another team with ONE GAME to go in the Vikings season and no obvious roster needs screaming to be added. Is losing King a disaster? Probably not. But there are depth questions at LB for 2026, you thought enough of Keys to keep him all season until there was a single game played? Why lose a depth piece with at least some promise NOW, when you could have had him rostered all offseason by just keeping him through game 17? His track record in the draft hasn't been exactly great so far, but now he's mismanaging picks and roster depth late in the season with nothing to play for but pride and development. I'm not saying he should be gone, or that he hasn't also done some good things in his tenure so far. But items like this make me feel he just may be out of touch. And we can't have that from our GM. Or do you think these are simply blips and I'm making too much out of them?

While by no means close to a finished product yet, I've been fairly impressed by McCarthy the 2nd half of the season. Coaching and mental reps can only do so much. His missed field practice time really set him back. They will need a viable veteran backup for 2026, but they aren't drafting a QB this year. There could be some surprise cuts or retirements that affect the team's 2026 cap and allow them to sign a decent option or two, but right now it's about keeping the best players on hand and using the draft to help add and build up. In no particular order, the biggest needs are S, CB, LB, RB, and either a 2nd LB, or possibly and EDGE so that we can be 4 deep instead of 3. I'd really, really like there to be a WR or OT sitting there when the Vikings' turn comes up and they can trade down just a couple spots for a 3rd 3rd rounder. That helps replace the 4th rounder we don't have this year. In an average draft, I'd be ecstatic to have 5 picks in the first 3 rounds and fill those spots, in whatever order. While the dual 5th and 6th rounders and solitary 7th rounder should all by BPA, I could easily see another CB, and LB being focus points. And I'm always in favor of OL who slip to day 3 but have have potential if you can just get a season or two to stash and worth with them. So that would be what I see draft wise as of today.

Bad luck or not, projection metrics that say he could still be better, how does Julien even fit with Bell and Wagaman on hand at 1B and DH with Clemens as at least part of the equation there as well? Mediocre defense, can't hit any longer, power had largely disappeared, would you want him at 2B and move Keaschall to the OF? Why on earth would you do that for such a young player when you already have a crowded OF and 3 top 10 prospects who are all OF sitting at AAA? Outman played poor defense and was one of the worst hitters I've seen in recent memory. Even the projected numbers presented in the OP state 'improvement" would still have him as a poor hitter. Clemens, if he can hit fastballs better, has some room to improve even to a small percentage. Considering he was a useful reserve and not far from league average, he's worth discussing. But he should be a useful reserve and not a starter.

The Twins don't have it in their budget to pay Phillips $2M to sit and rehab this season snd maybe get 2- 2 1/2 months of actual ML work, plus add a 2nd season of $7M in 2027. (Rough $ numbers by me). IMO, they need 3 adds, of various ability and experience, to the pen to insure it's viable opening day. They need an experienced LH option. Rogers, Coulombe, and Chaffin are all out there and available and all 3 are coming off solid seasons. Stop messing around, make your selection, and go get him. I have little issue with either Dominguez or Leclerc. I'd take either as a "better than 2025 Sands" option for the back end of the pen. And I'd really like BOTH, or similar. But can the budget find room for all 3? Call me hopeful but doubtful. I think a said LH arm, 1 of the aforementioned veterans, and the 3rd option probably comes from a Larnach and a prospect to someone who could use his LF bat for a DH and part time OF role and could use another solid prospect, for that team's #4 or #5 pen option. Maybe their version of Varland, for example, someone who just debuted and showed promise, or is about to be moved to the pen, but with ML experience. FA, FA, FA/trade, Festa (IMO), Sands, Funderburk, Topa, Orze are your 8 spots for opening day. The 8th spot might be open depending my proposed 3rd addition option. So the final spot might be open. Your depth comes from the obligatory 2-4 MILB deals of fliers, plus Lewis, Raya, Klein, Ohl, Adams, Prielipp, and possibly MacLeod as well. That is a potentially solid, functional pen with some interesting depth options that will work themselves in over the course of the season to get even better, but also a build up for 2027.

Nobody is TRYING? Players and coaches aren't TRYING? Coaches are always TRYING to keep their jobs, or at least not suck so bad they can't get another job. Players don't TRY when the whisle blows due to pride and hope for next season and possible signings next season? Unless someone is just a malcontent who simply doesn't care about ANYTHING, coaches and players always TRY, even if a small part of them is depressed. Their FUTURE depends on what they do. I don't buy in to any coach or player that just "gives up". If I was a FO and thought for a moment that a coach or player "gave up" instead of just coaching and playing hard despite a disappointing season, I'd NEVER hire them or sign them.

God Bless! Please recover and have a wonderful 20-30yrs plus in your life!

Stringer, I've been up and down, up and down, for 4yrs since the Twins acquired Martin. And I'm not going to cover old ground. While some don't appreciate the total context of what you're discussing, I see it. Martin had an incredible start in 2025, but was plagued by a bad hamstring injury. I have little doubt a healthy Martin would have been brought up earlier had he been healthy. Numbers are one thing that we can all look at and measure. Did Martin have better numbers in 2025 vs 2024? Yes he did. Were they in a smaller sample? Also yes. But even though I watched fewer games late in 2025 due to frustration, the Martin I watched just seemed more confident in his AB. It just looked like he turned a corner in his approach. What really blew me away was how well he played LF. Previously, he looked like someone in the fan section looking to grab a hotdog or T-shirt from a cannon. But he suddenly looked looked like someone who could actually track a ball! And he made a handful of great plays. More confidence at the plate, better numbers, even in a relatively SSS, and greater confidence and defense in the OF has me believing he might have actually matured in to a decent, solid ML player. And I don't think it's just an illusion. I think we're seeing a drafted "athlete" who is actually turning in to a ML player. BUT, he has to have enough POP in his bat to produce DBLs and the occasional HR or he will be eaten up. He did flash more of that ability in 2025. His speed plays, as long as he learns to run the bases better as he's also made a few egregious errors at times. With all due respect to Roden, who has been ridiculously written off by so many after a very brief rookie appearance, I can easily see Martin replicating his solid and very improved 2 months to end the 2025 season. IMO, Martin is the "preason" starting LF based on defense and his 2025 season. With NO IMPROVEMENT, he could still be a top of the order batter based on what he did in 2025. That AVG and OB% was damn good. But if he's as good, how does he fit in Shelton's lineup? I like Buxton in the #3 spot to have runners to knock in. So I can see Martin and Keaschall being an excellent top of the order setting the table. I can also see Martin spraying some line drives here and there, providing speed, but not being enough Kwan-like to sit at the top of the lineup, but being a tremendous #9 hitter who helps flip the lineup over again. I see what you see. But I also see Rodriguez, and Jenkins, and Gonzalez, and Roden taking the next turn, and I see Martin maybe not fitting in in the near future. But he has the opportunity to be a solid ML bat and contributor in the near future for the Twins.

II HOPE Wagaman improves 10-15% in 2026, fills a solid role, and makes me eat all of my next words. (Not crossing my fingers). I don't like this move for MANY reasons! I'm stupified by it, and downright p*ssed off by it! Where do I even begin? 1] A mediocre hitter...so far in his career...even one who hits LHP decently...not a great SSS history so far...who never even mashed in MILB, as a short side platoon at 1B does what exactly? Other than 25% of games played against LHP, how does he really add to the construction of the 13 man roster? It allows Bell to DH more and allows another mediocre/bench player in Clemens to play MORE on a daily basis? 2] Not only did Larnach need to be moved before hand, but he's absolutely dead weight now on the roster more than ever. 3] I mentioned veteran utility player, switch hitting with almost neutral career splits, Ramon Urias in a recent thread from Seth about roster construction. While he's more POP than POWER, he DOES hit dingers. He's a better OB% batter than Wagaman in his brief career, plays a decent 1B, and can also cover 2B and 3B. His arbitration number is around $4.5M, which makes him almost an exact match to replace Larnach, and provide MUCH BETTER roster depth and versatility. But we add a platoon RH 1B/DH instead? 4] Not only does Wagaman limit the bench BIG TIME vs someone like Urias, but the ENTIRE IDEA of playing Keaschall in the OF is COMPLETELY misguided! Why? So Clemens can play 2B? He's at best a LH power bat off the bench who MIGHT play well with Wagaman at 1B. But now you want to play Clemens more at 2B? Keaschall has the athleticism to be a solid 2B, if not better. His arm SHOULD FINALLY be healthy for throws he has to make. Does he need to smooth out his mechanics at 2B? You bet! But how does he do that WITHOUT actually playing 2B? Furthermore, what about Martin and Roden in LF? We've just decided not to give them opportunity? Or does Roden move to RF? Then what do you do with Wallner when DH is suddenly filled almost daily by Bell? And TWO of your TOP 1-4 prospects are AAA LH hitting OF in Rodriguez and Jenkins. So even forgetting giving Roden an actual chance to perform and contribute, those TOP TWO prospect are ready to debut anywhere from Opening Day to June or July 1st. So then where does your TOP young player Keaschall fit if you start playing him in the OF? And let's not forget Gonzalez is ALSO a TOP prospect OF from the RH side of things. Keaschall playing the OF, as ANYTHING but an occasional option to set a RH dominate lineup against LHP is absolutely ridiculous in roster construction. Not only should he be playing 2B DAILY for 2026 to just let him develop there...his offense is just that more important as a 2B...but AFTER 2026, if you aren't satisfied, he could still be a hell of an offensive player with a move to 1B. Dare I say playing him a lot in the OF in 2026 is not only misguided, but downright lunacy! 1B with some OF come 2027 if you really think that's the right move. (Small chuckle). But WHY IN THE WORLD would you give such a long leash for Julien but NOT Keaschall? 5] Even WITH the Wagaman trade factored in, why on earth do you dump Fitzgerald ahead of Outman, or Julien, or Gasper, or Pereda? IDK that he's almost 32yo and is a journeyman. The INF depth is non existent until K-Pepper is ready. Fitzgerald has been around as long as he has been because he's a solid defender who doesn't embarrass himself at the plate. Despite reported defense and some speed, Kreidler barely hit at the MILB level, and has hit at the ML level at the level of a PITCHER pre DH days. I'd take a small step down defensively for a guy who could at least hit in the .200 range with some pop and speed vs a .150 fill in. 6] I get moving Bragg. For those that don't follow the Twins MILB system closely, he was a late round pick who was either injured when drafted, or injured just after being drafted, I'm not sure. But he missed time. He had a BAD AFL season post 2024. But he rebounded with a really great 2025 between A+ and AA. He put up some really solid numbers and good K rates, and was probably really close to either starting 2026 at St Paul, or maybe getting some AA time before a AAA promotion. He's not just a "throw away" LH pen arm. I'm not upset about trading a possibly interesting arm in Bragg. I'm upset about a misguided roster construction that brought in a 28yo platoon 1B that really restricts the 13 man player roster for 2026. And I'm p*ssed because even as a fan who likes to play the "if I was the GM" game, I can see a very different example of a more versatile player being added for a BETTER roster fit that a 25% useful player. And it makes me frustrated that I can see a better fit over those in charge. Again, I'll HOPE Wagaman turns a corner and is even better than he was in 2025, or closer to his reported late season production. But TODAY, I find this addition to be poor. Maybe even comical considering options I think a semi-intelligent fan like myself might have done better.

Certainly not going to bash Cody or anyone else for their opinion on a possible top list for 2027. The issue I have is narrowing it down logically. FWIW, I can see a pretty easy path to the top 5 being ALL pitchers or ALL position players. POSITION: The Twins #3 overall selection in the 2026 draft, Houston, Tait, Winokur, and the recently drafted Quentin Young. While Winokur and Young have enough bust potential to certainly not be on said list, based on tools and potential they are also as intriguing with as much upside as Jenkins and Rodriguez in the entirety of the Twins system. On the pitching side, you've got Soto, Hill, Quick, and probably Rojas, who has drawn raves based on stuff/potential, and not his 2025 finish. There's a trio of arms from the last draft in Ellwanger, Barr, and Reitz that have the potential to really flash as rookies in 2026. And on top of all these choices, Bohorquez and Oliveras at Cedar Rapids just need a little more consistency and they could explode. There was even talk of someone possibly snagging Oliveras as a draft and stash arm in the rule 5. On top of the Twins 2026 #3 selection, I believe they pick at #4 in the 2nd round? That would be another prospect selected roughly in the top 40. So it's just really hard for me to try and pick any sort of top 5 for 2027.

The problem with the draft at this point is the salary cap. Does Harry retire? Does Kelly retire? Did we see enough from Allen and Hargrave to keep them around? And despite flashes, and a great teammate, is Jones done? And what $ is in play for cuts that hold over. That's important for keeping someone like Nailor as the 3rd WR. There has to be some "play" in extensions in order to keep the best players maintained on the roster. The good news is we have one of the best cap administrators on hand. The bad news is we're hard against the cap, TODAY. I lost faith in Kwesi when he traded for Thielen. It just didn't make sense for so many reasons. And I don't have trust in him for the next draft. But if you asked me my DREAM DRAFT for 2026: The Vikings should draft about 14-16. Ideally, there would be a WR or OT, for example, where someone would be desperate to move ahead before a competitor team could nab said player. The Vikings drop down only 2 or 3 spots and pick up an additional 3rd round selection. IMO, this is the ultimate idea draft scenario. KEEP what you have, but trade down ONE TIME because your board is still intact. So now you have a #1, a #2, and 3 round picks. BPA always applies, but in no order you draft a CB, S, RB, ILB, EDGE and then wait for day 3 where you might add another CB and S, and maybe another OL prospect or two. But we can only hope for a good class, and a GM that has learned from previous mistakes and doesn't blow the 2026 draft. If he does, he should be GONE and OKC shouldn't be held responsible, IMO.

A couple of your comments caught my eye. The Saints OF, opening day, should include Jenkins, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Rosario, and Fedko. Additionally, Olivar should also be ready to challenge AAA at this point as an OF and part time catcher. So where is the room for someone like Outman as a failed ML player still on the roster? Is Falvey that stubborn to insist a recent trade acquisition should be kept? Well hell, he ALSO traded for Martin and Roden. So he needs to get over his pride. There's also no room for Julien, and I agree with that. Even if he somehow has a great ST, how does he fit with roster construction? I disagree regarding Bell. But I like him a hell of a lot better as a primary DH with another addition at 1B.

Seth, with the exception of picking an initial 14 man roster, I think you have it pretty much if the season started TOMORROW. Thankfully, it doesn't start tomorrow and I think...hope...there's at least one more player move involved. IF the payroll was stretched to $120M, there's room to add a 1B still (Lowe?) and let Bell be the PRIMARY DH. If the payroll comes in around $115M, they can still TRADE for a young 1B at or near the minimum $. Who and who for I'm just not going in to the details at this time. They could also just grab a USEFUL player like switch hitting Ramon Urias...with almost neutral career splits...for help at 1B/2B/3B for around $4-5M based on projected cost. While I'd prefer a true 1B addition and let Bell be the primary DH, someone like Urias adds a decent, veteran bat with some pop, and his $ is added with the subtraction of Larnach. And while Larnach can still be dropped with ZERO $ spent, I'd still try to package him with a decent prospect to a team that could use a solid, proven LH bat against RHP for a platoon DH/OF role for a solid, young arm that currently sits around 4th or 5th in the pecking order of a team but has upside. Sort of a Varland-ish type. Whether it's an actual 1B as the BEST addition, or a useful player such as Urias, the roster depth and balance is better. CATCHER: We have our primary 2. We don't need BOTH Gasper and Pereda. I actually like Pereda better as he's an actual catcher, IMO, while Gasper used to catch, was removed from that duty by the BoSox, and then was ATTEMPTED to return to catcher by the Twins. DEPTH: Honestly, I think a couple months of AAA experience will make Cardenas the best #3 option. He's solid behind the plate, has a good arm, and has a solid eye and solid contact in his bat. I think he's a young, but better Butera type. (It also frees up an additional 40 man spot in the future for various moves) INFIELD: I have objections to Keaschall playing almost anywhere other than 2B in order for him to refine his mechanics there. He can get to balls! He just needs to smooth out his footwork and mechanics when he GETS to the ball. So why mess with his development? And who do you put at 2B if he plays 1B or OF? Clemens? I'm not sure I see a lot of wisdom there, but OK. But IF they DON'T add a TRUE 1B via FA or TRADE, a useful player like Urias can plug in to 2B when/if you really want to mess with Keaschall's development and move him around. He can also form a quasi platoon with Clemens at 1B if/when you want to put Bell at DH. NOT my IDEAL, but I think you can see the versatility at least. Lewis is at 3B, Lee is at SS, and Keaschall is still your primary 2B. 1B is in flux, IMO, with Bell part of the equation, as well as Clemens, as well as Urias, in my example. I simply don't understand any love for Kreidler. IDK how good his glove is, he can BARELY hit at the AAA level. IMO, it's only a matter of time before he's removed from the 40 man in hopes of being added to the AAA roster. Fitzgerald has a solid glove, a little speed and pop, and won't embarrass himself at the plate. DEPTH: When K-Pepper is ready, the INF depth suddenly changes. Whether he takes over SS day one, or starts as a utility player, Fitzgerald/Kreidler becomes a moot point. Ross has the ability to play 4-5 positions. He's got some speed and some pop, but he's barely ever hit anywhere. It would take a HUGE step forward for him to be a ML player. HOWEVER, I think a lot of people have forgotten about Schobel. He really turned around his projections in 2025 after a major slump in 2024. He basically RAKED in AA last season, earned a promotion to St Paul, and then got hurt almost immediately. I believe he was healthy for the last couple of weeks, but keep him in mind for the 2nd half of 2026. *It pains me to say it, but Julien is an easy cut who would probably pass through waivers. OUTFIELD: This HAS to begin with Outman being OUT. He hasn't hit ML pitching since 2023. He didn't hit with the Twins, and didn't look particularly good defensively either. I don't believe a 24-25-26yo player has NO FUTURE as history has proven some guys just mature in their mid 20's and turn out to be good ballplayers. But to expect a 29yo to SUDDENLY find himself again is a ridiculous waste of roster space. He's an easy cut for a pen addition, should easily pass through waivers, and might stick around for AAA depth. But even THAT is questionable considering the St Paul OF to begin 2026. With THAT messy business out of the way, let's examine the 2026 OF in detail. Martin suddenly looked like a legitimate ML player in 2025. He raked in AAA, had injury issues, and really played well the last 2 months for the Twins when finally healthy. Perhaps just as important, he played a very good LF. Can he take that offensive and defensive development and carry it over to 2026? Can his improvement in LF carry over to being competent in CF as well? With limited pop, can his contact and spraying the ball continue? He's got a role if he can continue. And can we give Roden a little break? His MILB numbers are very good. He's a solid defender who can play both corner spots well and can cover CF here and there decently. And he's also got some 1B experience as well. And I don't know about service time, but based on ML AB, he enters 2026 as a rookie. He's a good AVG hitter with decent contact and a solid OB% with a little mix of speed and pop. I don't know that a disappointing debut with less than 150 ML AB should exclude him from being a decent, solid ML player. Those 2 are probably part of LF to begin 2026, and they should be. This is a lineup in FLUX and Larnach just shouldnt be part of the plan at this point. Buxton is in CF. Nothing more needs to be said other than Martin and Roden can provide acceptable days off here and there, before we discuss prospects. Wallner appears to be the opening day RF. That's not MY plan as I'd just "go for it" with a healthy Rodriguez and use his remaining option if needed, but that's not what I see the Twins doing. Between cost control and just a paranoid aversion from promoting too soon, Wallner will be the starting RF. He's not bad, just a little slow getting his body moving forward. And his arm is such a weapon, nobody runs on him. And while many are down on him, and he will always be a bit of a 3 outcome batter, I just don't understand how so many can be so down on him considering his MILB numbers, his decent rookie numbers, TWO consecutive seasons of a .875 OPS, and then an injury affected 2025 where his OPS was STILL above average. DEPTH: 3 of your TOP 10 prospects are AAA OF with Jenkins, Rodriguez, and Gonzalez. A top 20 prospect in Rosario is ready for the AAA challenge. And a "non prospect" like Fedko...coming off a great season where he challenged a 30/30 year...provides OUTSTANDING depth to the point where you even wonder not only why Outman is still around, but is there even room for him at AAA? Of course, Clemens also provides some OF depth, as does Keaschall, potentially, but I still take that with a grain of salt. The way the opening day roster SHOULD look like, considering Falvey is always cautious with promoting prospects, and an expected ONE MORE ADDITION considering comments made by Zoll SHOULD be: CATCHER: SET INFIELD: Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, Bell, Clemens, Fitzgerald over Kreidler because Fitz is simply the better overall player, and a TBD. OUTFIELD: Martin, Roden, Buxton, and Wallner. This is a team trying to compete, but also re-tooling on the fly. And I don't have a problem with that. The single biggest question is whether or not the FO adds a full time 1B via FA or trade, or adds a "useful" player for depth purposes. There is ZERO reason to keep someone like Outman around. Unfortunately, there's also no reason to keep Julien around either. That's your 13 man position player roster to begin 2026 with ONE open spot to add. And that roster will change come June 1st, and/or July 1st. But there remains ONE open spot to ADD an INF option at 1B, or as a solid utility option for the temporary.

I expect little of Brosmer going forward. But come on. He's a smart kid with some skills and at least offers SOME potential as a backup option. In Vikings history, Brad Johsnon and Wade Wilson were, or would have been UDFA based on the current system. Purdy was the last man standing in his draft. I'm only stating this kid is a good athlete, has a decent arm, and is smart. He didn't blow last week, and helped win this week by simply not making mistakes. We might just have a solid young backup is all I'm saying.

Sorry Seth, born and raised in South Dakota in early years, and a Nebraskan since about age 11 in Nebraska, I've been a Twins junkie since about 5 or 6 with my dad listening to the radio and teaching me the game. It's a wonder when a local kid makes good because I grew up as a Minnesota fan. I don't dislike this Varland trade because he was a Minnesota native, as some have proclaimed. I disliked the move for the move. If Carlson is s good move on a MILB deal to add to St Paul and MAYBE surprise for the Twins at some point in 2026, so be it. But wishes or not, sorry, that's all it is at this point.

I was impressed that Brosmer didn't give the game away. I wasn't impressed with some of the game calling. We were playing with THREE backup OL! Obviously the Lions knew this. And I'm sure they adjusted their defense to such, which usually only pressure with 4 and play zone. But I can't believe OKC couldn't have opened the playback a little farther for a couple TE or RB crossing routes The WR handoff or shovel pass to Addison was BRILLIANT. But maybe there should have been a little more creativity early on considering you were playing a rookie QB? The defense won this game. The offense and special teams did enough. For the 2nd week in a row Brosmer did just enough to win a game. I just think OKC might have held back the reigns a bit too much, even for a rookie QB.

That's funny! Honestly, i appreciate a once a week funny. And I'm a man of humor and satire. But I grow weary of similar attempts on TD that often aren't. I'd leave it to Stu for the most part.

I agree in regard to Lee. We COULD mention Plouffe as a more minor example, but it digresses the conversation, so we'll just stick with the arguement as is. I keep reminding people, to little avail, that not only did Lee move very quickly...maybe too quickly considering some of his current contact issues...but even though he debuted in 2024, he entered 2025 with 172 ML AB. The cutoff for rookie status is 140 AB. (I understand service time, but I'm looking at ON THE FIELD time). That means he entered 2025 only 22 ML AB above rookie status. Argue with me if you will, but he was barely above ROOKIE status entering the season. One question about Lee was actual potential. While he didn't MASH, and his DBLs power was WAY too low, his 16 fingers in 487 AB was a nice surprise. And they weren't all cheap either. This would seem to indicate potential for more power, even of the DBLs variety, if he can just make better contact. Defensively, he's average at best at SS. Much of playing SS is positioning, solid hands, off balance throws, and also just getting rid of the ball quickly, and with a solid throw. It's not all about athleticism. And while I don't have them handy, have personal doubts about many defensive metrics, and they've already been posted previously in different OP's, his defense at SS was better post Correa trade when he assumed the #1 spot. I believe he was about league average over those last 2 months. I've watched Lee a TON since his arrival as a rookie in '24 and near rookie throughout '25. He's got good hands. He's got a good, quick transition of glove to hand. His arm is OK, not great. He can even make the off balance throw well. And at 25yo, he has room to improve everything he does at every base he might play at. But I have my doubts about a ML average SS when others in the system, such as K-Pepper and Houston offer up so much more athleticism, and even better arms. I still see a role for Lee as an ever day, or almost every day player. And I ignore defensive metrics at this base, and that base, for a young kid still settling in. I can see a future where he takes over 3B and Lewis moves to 1B, NOT as a demotion for Lewis, but simply as a result of getting the very best players playing daily. And I can see Lee taking over 2B for Keaschall playing 1B daily as a highly productive player who simply isn't the normal SLUGGER you expect there. Carew, Joyner, Grace, Hernandez, Erstad, Bellinger, and Arraez all say HELLO along with others. But I can also see a scenario that really intrigues me where Lee becomes a Super Utility INF. And I've stated this a dozen times now. With a little less speed, he could be a better Marwin Gonzalez, or a bigger, more powerful version of Castro where he plays almost daily across the entire INF due to injury and just natural days off. He could be a 500 AB player for a good team just filling in at ALL 4 spots due to injury or DH duty for the regulars, PH duties, and late game replacement. The future Twins have a lot to say about his future role. But getting rid of his obsession with "poor contact is a good" thing is the key to ANY future he has. The "Miranda disease" has to be the #1 thing he has to work on.

I think Martin showed...when healthy...that he had turned a corner in 2025. He raked at AAA and looked like a competent ML hitter in his 2 months with the Twins, and played MUCH BETTER defense than we have ever seen from him before. Can he take that defensive improvement to CF as well for occasional duty? I think he's finally a legitimate ML ballplayer. I think he can help the Twins in 2026, but I'm not sure about a long term fit. He still has to battle Roden for playing time in the LF...Roden can also see time in RF...and at some point Rodriguez, Jenkins, and Gonzalez should all 3 debut. SWR really saved the Twins butt in 2024 with his new arm slot, and better velocity. He actually got better and better as the season went along before running out of gas late in the season. Sims really disappointed me early in 2025, but he really finished the season strong, even after losing a bunch of weight due to his intestinal issues, embraced his new splitter, and IMO, still shows greater potential. I think he's a lock for the #4 spot and could possibly even push Ober for the #3 role, which is saying a lot if Ober is 100%. But that's how good Sims looked late in 2025.

I'm going to clearly admit that I'm completely TORN about trading ANY pitching for 2026 based on THREE very simple reasons: 1] Finding top of the rotation SP is about the hardest thing to do. Pre 2025 hip injury to Ober, he has been in that category. He's 30yo? PLEASE! SO many SP are just at their peak around 30yo when stuff and experience take hold. You just can't discount his hip being a factor in 2025. Regarding an injury "history"? That was when he was a MILB prospect who's mechanics were weird. That was fixed. That's why he became a viable playoff caliber SP before his recent hip injury. 2] I still have doubts about SWR's ceiling. This kid has endured more trama than most prospects usually go through from early promotion, to losing at LEAST another half of development from making an Olympic team and NOT throwing, to a rework of his motion, to battling an intestinal issue in 2025 that seemed to rob him of the development he made in 2024. Despite it all, and no pun intended, I saw the "guts" this kid showed late in '24 before tiring. And I saw an even better pitcher late in '25 when he seemed to come to grips with his splitter. I'm not sure about his ceiling yet, but he's shown glimpses of being better than a #4 potentially. 3] While a healthy Festa has really flashed, he's destined as a top RP option. I think most of us can agree with that. And that's not a bad thing, even if it's a bit disappointing. Matthews has the build, the stuff, and the high K rate to indicate a little more polish, he might be pretty damn good. Abel has as good or better stuff and also needs a little more harnessing of his talent. Bradley is even younger, despite is ML experience, with as good of stuff. But he's also digressed somewhat. Can the Twins staff turn him around? Morris is being dismissed by too many based on accidentally tipping his pitches early in 2025, and ending the season on a great note following a brief IL stint. And the Twins believe LH Rojas...pushed through the system the way SWR was...has top 100 prospect potential at the end of 2026. BUT, do the Twins believe SWR, Matthews, Abel, and Morris are about ready to take that next step? So THAT is my concern. Any maybe I'm being too reserved in my opinion of the SP options on hand. Which isn't really like me, LOL. I'm always the optimist. But I'm also a realist. I'm a believer in Ober being his normal, quality, #3 SP who throws like a #2 some days. I love Ryan, but I also understand he doesn't always finish the season as strong as you'd like. So my ANSWER to the OP is, somewhat regrettable, trade ONE of Ryan, Ober, or SWR if you have enough faith in those talented arms on hand to replace what you lost. Honestly, the potential is there to make a trade. That's true. It's not what I WANT currently, because I REALLY want the TOP prospects to force their hand in the OF, the INF, the PEN and even the SP staff, and make mid season trades all the more viable. And it causes me some pain to say this, but considering talent on hand, and the prospects about to debut, IF a trade of a SP would be made, I wouldn't object to the next Mourneau. I don't know who that might be. And it's a high ceiling to cover. And said prospect/player might not be as good. But if he's even close, that would be a solid trade. Otherwise, I'd run with all the talent on board, promote within, work on the talent on board, and consider trades mid season. TOP talent SP options are valuable. I get it. But the return should also be very valuable.