DocBauer

We have, and will continue to compare ballplayers. It's just natural, if unfair. Each player is their own unique self at some point. And it's up to them and their ability, work ethic, and even intelligence as to their future. I will always expect Wallner to K a lot. But is he a K machine like Gallo and Sano? Or does he K quite a bit like Julien, who still gets hits and BB by usually working the count to his favor? I saw several games of Wallner last year where he worked the count, and had the ability to hold up, or adjust his swing, to get a hit. It was an ability I didn't see from Gallo last year, or Sano's last few seasons. And I can't recall who the opponent was, but I recall one incredible AB in August where he had 2 strikes and almost seemed to pause his swing for an instant before letting his natural power take over and launch a HR. Even in a somewhat SSS, I've seen Wallner adjust his swing. And he's done the same thing at every level so far. If he can just lay off some of the high stuff, he can be lethal. But Sano and later career Gallo couldn't. They RIPPED for all they could. Interesting aside, when Kepler FINALLY realized he didn't have to be perfect all the time and actually raised his K % in 2023, and just let his natural power play, he started hitting the ball all over the place and maybe had the best half plus of a season he's ever had. I think Wallner might be closer to Kepler as a comp than Gallo or Sano. Reign it in just a bit, make decent contact, and just hit the ball hard without trying for HR. Let it happen.

Just wanted to add a couple thoughts on some guys mentioned here. And understand, this is just MY OPINION. I don't see Clevinger or Bauer as Twins options. I am not one who piles on anyone, and I don't get involved in rumors or "he said, she said" reports. That's not how I operate. But the Twins FO, generally speaking, seems to promote harmony and a "feel good" and even family atmosphere. And I just don't see either of these guys being a target. And I'm going to leave it at that. I am also not one to pile on ownership. No matter whether I disagree at times with what they might do, generally speaking, I think the Twins ownership is very solid. And I like what they have done, versus what they haven't at times, with a fan approval rating of somewhere around 80-85% approval rating. I DO understand the whole TV revenue situation being an issue. And something similar would apply to any business. And right now, it could be a 1yr Bally deal which helps MLB get set for 2025 and beyond where they would have even MORE teams looking to figure out the future. This allows for a larger/greater collection of teams for MLB to collectively plan for the future, whether the Amazon deal or something else makes more sense, rather than piecemealing some teams in 2024, and then adding others in 2025. I get all of that. I really do. But for a moment, accepting Polanco might be moved. Accepting Kepler might not be re-signed following 2024. Accepting Farmer will be gone now, or after 2024, does free up a lot of $. And yes, there are raises in 2025 payroll on the books, and additional raises here and there. BUT, IMO, even though I generally like our ownership, I believe that when you own a sports franchise, you owe a little something to the "product" for the fans, the community, and yourself. I believe that ownership, even with the questions facing them right now, has an obligation to keep the 2024 payroll as high as they can. I'd that means a trade that would, theoretically bring in someone like Castillo from the Mariners...that could fit in the 2024 budget...but might put a squeeze on 2025, they should be willing to accept they might have to be inventive in financial growth streams going forward, hope for MLB to step in to establish new TV and streaming options to help, or simply accept a lower revenue for a season or two while this all gets figured out. ONLY an example, but let's say a $30M profit vs a $50M profit, even for a season or two. For an ownership worth billions, in which the Twins profits probably rank pretty low on their income ladder, I believe this should be part of not only their future value of the team, but a sort of responsibility for being a pro sports team in general. Again, ONLY my opinion. I'd never ask a business owner to take a loss on their product/team. That's just ridiculous. But in this case, a short term loss of profit may actually be a longer term investment in their product. Just me ranting a little bit. Back to your regularly scheduled program. Lol.

The FO has been ties to Stroman previously and really liked him. I don't think he's washed up, but he's gotten older, and didn't finish 2023 very well. I could only see a cheap 1yr if he doesn't get what he wants. I just keep thinking about a Castillo trade, or signing Montgomery...previously mentioned...who sits around $20-23M. Polanco goes to Seattle, OR, if Montgomery WERE signed, you're only adding around $11-13M for 2024. But I am also concerned about that 2025 payroll down the road. Hoskins only works if Kepler is moved. Duvall on an inexpensive 1yr works as a 4th OF. I can get on board for Brebbia. Solid, proven, veteran middle arm. But what's the cost? SP has to be figured out first.

I absolutely want the Twins to work harder on developing catchers. That means drafting them, signing them on the international front, and, of course, developing them. And Mathis might be a very good idea to bring in as a coach, certainly wouldn't dispute that. But if anyone believes the current FO have ignored the catcher position, they would be incorrect. Tanner Swanson was the Twins catching coach from 2017-2019 before being hired away by the Yankees. He was given a lot of credit for his work with Garver and initial work with Jeffers, both of whom were considered offense first catchers at the time. In 2017, when the draft was still 40 rounds long, the Twins selected 4 backstops, though none early. And honestly, I don't know that any of the 4 are still in the system any longer. In 2018 the Twins snagged Jeffers in the 2nd round, and Chris Williams in the 8th round, both as bat first catchers. Jeffers has turned out nicely while Williams is reputed to be very smart behind the plate, but not a complete catcher, more of a bat, and would seem to have a limited future. They also selected 4 additional catchers that year, amongst their total of 32 picks, the most prominent being Trevor Casanova. Again, I don't think any of them are sitll in the system. 2019 saw the Twins draft Alex Isola and Kyle Schmidt. Isola began to add power in 2023, but has played a lot more 1B and DH than he has catcher. Schmidt's been an organization guy at this point. 2021 brought in 3 young catchers, Noah Cardenas and Pat Winkel...who have looked solid so far...and late round pick Dillon Tatum, who really hasn't done much to this point. 2022 saw the arrival of Andrew Cossetti, a very intriguing prospect, and Nate Baez, a tremendous athlete who's new to full time catching and has some injury set backs, but has tons of ability. They've also added a couple catchers via trade, most notably, the aforementioned Jair Camargo. They've stressed coaching. And they HAVE been looking for catchers. The problem seems to be not drafting a single catcher before the 8th round (Cardenas and Williams) other than Jeffers. Now, do they believe they haven't needed to at this point since they have Jeffers? Have they felt there just haven't been any backstops available to them that were worth the draft slot? Do they just feel a catcher is to be developed, and not necessarily just picked? By all means, bring in as many good coaches as you can. And Mathis might be very good. But Cossetti, Cardenas, Winkel, and Camargo all show some potential and have been largely successful with their bats so far. I'm really, really anxious to see what Baez can do in 2024 if he's fully healthy. The guy played all over the field in college and had a solid bat. Where I DO have some issue with the Twins is maybe not taking a shot or two early in some of their drafts, besides Jeffers, to see if you might find a a better prospect to work with and see what you can develop...even if you select them a couple rounds earlier than projected.

I don't think the mention of Ohtani is even relevant as he's both special and unique. As to any other ideas about a 6 man rotation, I don't see it as viable or necessary. To some degree, all teams do it here and there between double headers, giving someone an extra day or rest, trying to extend a season for a young or rehabbed arm, etc. But the 5 man rotation has been successful for DECADES. It works. With apologies to those who clamor for the days of a 4 man staff or starters consistently going 7 IP, or more, you just have to understand the game has CHANGED. And MLB, IMO, has been too slow to adapt...in some areas. I still remember when a guy who threw 88mph had a good fastball. Now, that's a junk ball thrower. BACK IN THE DAY, it was considered a no-no for position players to lift weights as it would decrease their flexibility and ability to hit. Yes, that was true. Things began to change dramatically sometime in the 80's where players began to get bigger, stronger, faster, through weight training and good exercise programs. (Yes, there was a steroid situation, but not for everyone). I dare say a player from TODAY, even a slightly above average player...let's just say a Kepler, Polanco, healthy Kirilloff player from our current Twins...would have been DOMINATE in the 60's and 70's. They would just be a different kind of athlete. Let's think about the NFL for a moment. Even through a good chunk of the 80's, if you didn't have a STUD RB, you weren't going to win, generally. Have you ever looked at career passing numbers from HOF QB's from the 20th Century? Tarkenton was the outlier in the 70's who's numbers were beat, eventually, by Marino, Payton, Farmer, etc, in a NEW GAME and 16 game season. But look at Tittle, and Otto Graham and Bradshaw and Namath, and the list goes on. Their numbers don't even compare to late 20th and 21st century numbers produced in today's game. So MLB should stay stuck in retro because why? Analytics are NOT some disease, it's just a change. Hitters are so much more dangerous, so pitchers have become more wicked in their stuff and velocity. For DECADES, analytics have been in play. The very nature of platooning a LH or RH batter or pitcher was considered "natural". They just didn't call it "analytics" back then. Discovery has shown that as players have grown, so has the usage of players grown. Unless you have one of a very special group of SP at your disposal, you are proven to be better off having your SP go through the lineup twice, maybe three times, but no more. No offense to Blyleven, or Ryan, or Palmer, or pitcher X you want to name from the 60's to 80's, but if they faced today's athletes, and those players had I Pads to watch their approach at the plate, our perspective of their careers and results would change. And that's OK. It's just a natural progression of the game. I applaud the pitch clock. I applaud the 3 batter minimum unless finishing an inning. I applaud the 2 throws to 1B as it was getting ridiculous! I love speed being brought back in to the game because of the 2 throws. (The larger bases are really not a big deal). And I applaud the 26 man roster, though I think MLB is making a mistake there. For YEARS I have DESPISED the NFL 45 man game day roster. Especially as the game has changed, why in hell did they have a 53 man roster but only 45 could play? ESPECIALLY when the seasons became longer, and injury concerns became more prominent, why?? THANKFULLY they've adapted and the practice squad ups and downs have become more flexible, though I still have some issues with game day rosters. I actually LOVED the MLB roster construction during covid. It was a 30 man roster that dropped down to 28. I may be recalling incorrectly. But I believe that was the initial plan. With the way the game has changed, SP now throw as hard as they can for 5-6 IP, occasionally more. And that's done for maximum effort and production. But for so many reasons, we are in a new era. And if we want more excitement and energy in the game we love, I wish MLB would reflect back to the covid days. Why not a 28 man roster permanently to adapt to today's game? 13 pitchers is enough, IMO. But how about 15 position players so injury is less of an issue. Or platoons could take place for more exciting production. Or a PH or speedster off the bench might make a difference. In years past, a 10 man staff was accepted. An 11 man staff was understable. Anything more was crazy. But its not where the game is today. You'd rather have a 14/14 split, I will only debate you to a certain degree. But I think a 13/15 split just makes sense. 4 SP is never coming back. I don't think a 6 man rotation makes sense either, we're just talking about "give away" games as most teams can't even find 5 good SP. MLB, IMO, should just adapt to the 28 man roster they had a couple years ago and just allow for the changes in the game as it is TODAY.

I have zero problem with any of these 3 additions, and whatever other milb signings are probably yet to come. In my 50yrs of watching baseball, every single year there are guys...rotation or pen...who "figure it out" somehow and turn out to be good to occasionally very good. It could be a health issue that held them back...or interrupted their career...never finding that extra pitch, or struggling with and finally finding some control. I don't like the initial idea of Staumont and Jensen being added to the 40 man. BUT, there are 2 spots still left, someone on the 40 man is probably still moved to create another opening or two, and these signings are inexpensive and easy to DFA at any moment and possibly pass through waivers and be assigned to AAA. Our current FO has done pretty well in these kinds of moves previously. I'd dare say most of these kinds of moves...which EVERY TEAM MAKES...never turn out. But you also do get a 1yr of Wissler, or multiple years of a good arm like Thielbar, and potentially multiple good years of Stewart now that he's healthy again. The FO guessed VERY RIGHT last offseason. They had Stewart already in the fold in 2022, IIRC, waiting to get right and were rewarded big time! And as previously mentioned, DeLeon was looking pretty solid before his elbow gave out. But they also made a couple HUGE mistakes, IMO, when they DIDN'T hold on to Coulombe and Jeff Hoffman. Coulombe had his BEST results as a Twin, was looking good in ST, and was let go for no logical reason. And he went on to have a good 2023 with the Orioles. He's NOT a difference maker, but he's solid. And we could have used him last year. Hoffman had a great ST and seemed like a lock to make the club. INEXPLICABLY, he was released and had the best year of his career with the Phillies. If you uncover a diamond in the rough, KEEP HIM! Both Coulombe and Hoffman would have filled roles in the Twins 2023 pen. One as an extra, solid but not great, lefty middle guy, and one as a very good 7th inning arm to deepen the back end of the pen. I like our FO, but they BLEW IT on 2 arms they should have kept. As to the OP's basic discussion of trying to fix control issues, I will admit to having NO wisdom as to how to fix such issues. But it does occur to me that if the coaches and system are in place to tweak deliveries in such a way as to add a pitch...which we've seen...and increase velocity...which we've seen...it does seem to me that the same coaching and structure might just take one of these arms and get their mechanics "right" and repeatable, to harness better control. And maybe what I'm really doing is asking the question: "if they can successfully add pitches and improve velocity, might they also add control"? Staumont has actually been successful. Some of his issues might e mechanical, but maybe some were health related. I'm more intrigued by him as a Stewart comp than I am Alexy and Jensen. But if even ONE of the three figures it out, it's a potentially big add to the front of the pen at the least. And honestly, are these three signings much different than Balazovic, Winder, Sands, Alcala, and Henriquez finally adapting, growing, and figuring it out? It's just three more arms to deepen the pool. The entire pool of options widens the chance you get 1 or 2 to actually be good.

I'm going to disagree with you somewhat here. It's $21M per for 4yrs. Basic math has Polanco's salary of $10M gone, thus the adjusted total is only an add of $11M. Yes, he's owed 3 more years, I understand that, but you've still cut that $10M from the payroll with the move of Polanco and haven't replaced it with someone else. Thus, the net increase is only $11M. And the Twins are willing to pay a top arm like Lopez, starting next season, in that $20M-ish range. In fact, Castillo's deal is a bit of a bargain, IMO. My issue is that I believe Castillo has a no trade clause. And if that's true, he and his agent are going to want a bump in pay or extension to agree to the move, more than likely. THAT'S where this gets expensive beyond what I think the Twins would be willing to do or be comfortable with.

The Twins have some arms, right now, to work with. They have those young arms converting to the pen, and a couple rebound, more veteran arms. Good chance they add 1 or 2 more of those. I don't think Funderburk has to be anything but the best version of himself he can be. Andnindont believe any single arm necessarily has to replace Pagan's IP. If the front end of the pen is just solid, Pagan is replaced. Having a solid enough rotation where you don't have some emergency long reliever languishing for weeks without being used deepens the pen. Nobody has to replace Pagan directly.

I normally don't speculate much on trades as they are so impossible to predict. I mean, never saw the Gray trade, the Lopez trade was somewhat of a surprise, and the Odorizzi trade a few years ago blew me away. What do all of those trades have in common besides being a general, non-rumored surprise? What was traded SEEMED to favor the Twins side of things. So who knows what will happen? But I have a weird SENSE that Julien, Lee, and E Rodriguez are off limits unless blown away by opportunity. (It shouldn't have to be stated Jenkins is off the table). I think almost anyone else is available, prospect wise, along with Polanco, and possibly Kepler. As to the primary trade destinations/targets for Polanco? (And I've already the mentioned ML Traderumors article). MILWAUKEE: Are they rebuilding or trying to re-tool? I can't see anyone other than Burnes for Polanco and a couple solid prospects. Would the Twins go, more or less, "all in" for 1yr of Burnes? ONLY if they felt confident they could add an arm again in 2025 via trade or promotion. Doesn't make sense from their normal MO. SEATTLE: There IS a fit here that includes Polanco and various other pieces. The Mariners state they don't want to trade young arms, and despite some additions, they've also cleared some $ and might want to clear more based on their acquiring broadcast rights. It still seems to me the ideal opportunity for both clubs is to move Castillo. The Mariners add Polanco, a couple other solid prospects that are open to debate, free up about $10M in salary, keep their young arms, and the Twins only add about $11M in net salary that makes sense and is affordable. HOWEVER, I now understand Castillo might have a no-trade or limited no-trade option. If so, he and his agent will be looking for some kind of bonus or bump. While this trade might be ideal for both parties, the Twins would probably balk at any additional $ or guarantees. BLUE JAYS: Again, a fit for Polanco at 2B, DH, utility, good veteran, etc, probably with some sweeteners for Alek Manoah. But despite being young, talented, and controllable, I think the Twins are taking a risk here. Manoa had a good rookie season in 2021 in 20GS with nice peripherals. He was even better in 2022, despite a drop in K %. And then the wheels fell off in 2023. He could be a #2 SP in 2024, or a head case who is a #5 and potential washout. I don't want to say that about a not yet 26yo arm that is so talented, but you hear and read a lot of things. Is the juice worth the squeeze? MIAMI: BOTH teams turned out just fine in last year's trade. And BOTH teams are a match now as well. Polanco fits at 2B, 1B, DH, and so does Arraez. Bell figures in to 1B and DH. IF...and I think it's a BIG IF...the Twins made a move for Luzardo, it's going to cost Julien, or Lee, or E Rodriguez, probably, to get the trade made. I'm not sure Polanco and adds like Larnach, Severino, Mercedes, Festa, J Rodriguez, Camargo, etc get it done without including Julien or Lee or E Rodriguez. But then again, I NEVER saw Alcala for Lopez plus a couple A players either. Cabrera is similar to Manoah from Toronto as far as having some risk involved. But despite some control issues, he's still very young, has some lightening in his arm, and might just be a few adjustments away from being a top of the rotation arm as soon as 2024. And he sure would cost less than Luzardo. The Twins surely know the Marlins roster, and vise versa from last year. Local product Max Meyer has been mentioned by some. He's intriguing, of course, but only a year younger than Cabrera, but has virtually zero ML experience. You're trading for a rookie and future help, but how does he affect 2024 to make a difference? Only Falvey and Levine and Maki, and other scouts know what they think of Cabrera and his potential and what they can do with him. Lopez might even prove some insight in to the kid. Everything I look at tells me the Marlins are the #1 fit and the Mariners are #2. The actual package cost is TBD.

Honestly, I'm going to miss Bremer a lot. He was solid, professional, nuanced, had some great references to Twins history and Minnesota in general, and I thought he found a new vitality with Bert gone. But Provus is excellent! He's a great mix of old school and the new attitudes/changes in MLB. He was the right choice as a replacement. I am quite happy with Morneau, and enjoy his dry humor along with his knowledge. Not sure everyone likes his dry humor, but I get it. I also really enjoy Smalley and Perkins. Loved hearing Plouffe this year and want more. I'd be really interested in bringing in Cuddyer sometime as well, though I'm not sure about his obligations. I also agree that I love a 3 man booth here and there. It opens up different stories and different discussions, which I appreciate a lot. I'm also a fan of Gladden and all his rough edges. His somewhat unpolished nature is exactly why I like him. His difference from so many other color guys is why I like him. And I thought he and Provus had good chemistry. I've generally liked Atteberry on the radio and think he'll do just fine as the main play by play. A radio voice needs to paint the picture. Atteberry can do that fine, just needs to reign it in a bit.

Look, you can call me an apologist or a realist, but here we go: 1] RUNNING: Casto was great. Buxton tried the best he could on 50% wheels and got a couple. I think Taylor would have stolen more if it wasn't for a bad back. Lewis has the potential to steal more, and he might, but they weren't going to ask for that this soon. After doing NOTHING the first month, Rocco began to run more. But the 2023 Twins weren't built to run. If you haven't been paying attention to recent drafts and the milb system, you might not see that they are looking for more speed. Julien isn't exactly overly fast, but he's stolen some bases and might do better in 2024. MARTIN is a guy who could add to SB when he's ready. The Twins have a couple guys in the non-rostered Helman and Keirsey who can run, and might make an appearance at any time. And there are other prospects coming up with speed. But baserunning is also about taking the extra base, not only SB. And if you weren't paying attention, the 2023 Twins deployed a lot more bunts and "suicide bunts" than I have seen in years. Rocco gets it, wants it, but you need the players who can do it. 2 K's: Sorry, but as much as Taylor was a CF savior for 2023, with his defense and pop and limited SB, he was a K machine. I STILL wouldn't mind him back for his defense and potential to SB more, but I'm just not certain he fits for next season. I understand Rocco and the Twins wanting an elite defensive CF option for 2024, but maybe they will "settle" for a slight downgrade defensively who can provide similar offense. And let's get real and just admit the Gallo experiment was a failure. So Gallo is gone. Taylor's K might be gone. Improvement from the players on hand might improve as well. Julien, and I'd argue Lewis and Wallner as well, have shown good eyes that maybe have to sharper some. But this is not a record setting K team with Gallo and Taylor gone and improment from the kids. 3] DEFENSE : Julien showed real improvement, but might still end up as a 1B/2B/DH rotation player if Lee is kept. And I'm fine with that. He can play defense fine if you've watched him. He's still growing. He'll never be great, but he's fine, average, and maybe better. If you've actually watched him, he's gone from "I'm not sure" to quality reaction. But Lewis or Lee will be the primary options at 2B/3B if Lee is kept. Sorry, 1B doesnt scare me. Kirilloff's shoulder injury was minor. His wrist seems to be good. Unless something else suddenly happens, I think he's going to FINALLY reach his talent base. Kepler isn't going anywhere unless the deal makes sense. Wallner had shown vast improvement defensively last year, and will move to RF eventually. How good is Correa offensively with his great defense if he's healthy ? 4] BULLPEN: The base is there. But i will say over and over again that the pen looks good if they can just add one arm to deepen the pen. Maybe it's another find. Maybe it's one of our current arms. But I think this pen is very close to being very good if they can sign someone or resurrect someone, or see someone like Alcala or Balazovic, etc, suddenly take charge. Or maybe a Staumont does a Stewart kind of improvement. There ARE possibilities. 5] LOCK IN LATE; This is a quality team with depth. And the FO always sits and waits for opportunity. (I like and understand and sometimes hate that approach, but I get it) They WILL add a rotation arm. And we might love that addition while hatIing what we gave up. But in the long run, we just might love what we got more than we gave up. HOPEFULLY.

This was very interesting, very entertaining, and I would also enjoy reading more articles like this. Fascinating this year had 3 really great Twins, a future Twin far overrated, and the Twins future manager. I agree that over time, with reflection, prospect lists don't ultimately mean much. For every Harris miss...very obvious now...there are the Arraez's and Julien's who never appear on top 100 lists but turn out to be quality ballplayers. But the lists are not only fun..and I enjoy the hell out of them...but they are, AT THE TIME, worthwhile based on talent and projection, if ultimately inaccurate. When the NFL drafts, when the NBA drafts, when MLB drafts, you have to set a board based on talent and projection. What's different about MLB...and to a degree the NHL I believe even though I don't follow it...the NBA and NFL are drafting for NOW, and a potential SOON, while MLB, and the NHL to a degree as I understand it, you still have 2-5/6 years before you see the results. MLB also has the international signings which further add to the fun/projections/guesses wich make it unique. Ultimately, there is no sure-fire accuracy. But prospect lists are an educated guesstimate, and not always wrong either. My father often laughs at me when we talk about and listen to music and I state, yet again, that a certain song is one of my favorites, LOL. But when you look at decades of music I've grown up listening to in my 58yrs, and the various categories of music as well, FAVORITE SONGS can easily number in the 100's without being wrong or saturated. When I think about FAVORITE TWINS, it's a SSS but the same. MAYBE my favorites for both categories should be based on decades or periods. Cuddyer IS one of my all time favorite Twins. I loved his intellect and humor and his magic tricks to help his teammates have fun. My ONLY complaint about Cuddy was that I thought a strong armed SS converted to 3B should have worked, in theory at least. But he turned out to be a solid RF with a great arm and was very productive. To this day, I think he was one of the Twins best, and most productive OF/players, and is under appreciated for his career numbers. And I had forgotten until I looked again tonight, that like Morneau, he had played for Colorado and had one more great season there. Man was he good! I know the Twins have brought Cuddyer to ST to work with the kids. I honestly can't recall any time he's been brought in to the booth. But he's someone I'd really like to add there if at all possible. I know this will sound a little sacrilegious considering Hrbek is not only one of my personal ALL TIME Twins greats, but also a Twins HOF, but with almost exactly the same quad slash line in his career, I think Morneau MIGHT have been even better if not for the concussion syndrome that curtailed his career. I mean, he was something as silly as an unfortunate knee to the head from winning a 2nd MVP, plus what he might have continued to do. The one really great year with Colorado only adds to what might have been. I don't have much to say about Mauer I haven't already posted previously. He's an easy HOF'er who SHOULD BE a 1st ballot entree IMO. Bench was converting to 3B when I was a kid, but I know how good he was. And growing up in the 70's and 80's and beyond, I've been lucky enough to see some AMAZING catchers. Some of which, unfortunately, may never get their due as they were AMAZING backstops who weren't great offensively. If you do that as a SS, you get HOF consideration. OR, as a 2B who played great defense, had a moment or two, but was otherwise meh. IMO, catchers are an egregious outlier in general in the HOF. Mauer was one of the best all around catchers I ever saw. And he should have won a Gold Glove at 1B at least once after his conversion. I just hate revisiting this idea, but once again, despite all they achieved, WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN if BOTH Morneau and Mauer hadn't been cursed by concussion symptoms? Even with their great careers, what a tragedy from a baseball perspective.

I know he wasn't listed as he wasn't a high draft selection...thus not fitting the OP... but as to what Jenkins "could be", how about Aaron Judge?

Just wonderful to see guys get healthy and be ready to resume their careers! Paddack has come back STRONG. Surprisingly so. But let's not get carried away. OK? He's known to have a great change. Any sort of high 90 or 100 FB was an illusion of a few IP. The reality is the FO has liked him for some time. When they acquired him, they immediately tweaked his 3rd pitch and there were some solid results before his elbow gave out. He has surprised everyone in his brief comeback, but he's just not going to throw 97-100 as a SP. But mid 90's consistently with his change and a new breaking ball could make him anything from a #5 to #2. But it's still a wait and see. Canterino is a mystery to me. Despite limited IP, he has been so good, so dominate, that you just have to keep him as a SP don't you? I'm NOT comparing, but I think of arms like Randy Johnson who struggled for a few years before becoming something special. So while the Twins have stated they still see him as a SP, are they wrong? I believe he's 26yo in 2024. OLD for the usual prospect status. But what if he's good, maybe really good, for 5-6yrs as a starter? But even though doctors say he can go 120 IP for 2024, are those IP best used as a SP or as a bullpen piece for the Twins? I HATE moving a potential SP arm to the pen too soon. And I couldn't care less if the next quality SP for the Twins was 22yo or 26yo. I only care how good they are. I don't want to move Canterino to the pen now. For no other reason than letting him build himself up again. Plus the factor that he might blow everyone away as a SP option. I guess I just don't know his future and what to do with him. But I'd keep him as a starter for now, just to build up IP, confidence, control and get ready for tomorrow.

Nick, it's an interesting idea, and it has merit, but I don't think it's an answer. I have little doubt Kepler can still play a solid, decent CF. He's not exactly old! But I feel it should be more of a "look, we know you can do it, and we just want to know you're OK and comfortable doing it for 20 games or so, especially early, giving us options there until some of the younger guys might be ready to help out". I can absolutely see Martin ready to contribute mid season. Maybe Kiersey as a good defender and #9 hitter as well at some point? Even part time? Until proven otherwise, I'm still of the opinion the non-rostered Helman might surprise as another Castro-like super utility player who does a little of everything, can play everywhere, including CF. Castro, IMO, didn't look bad there, and seemed to get better. Gordon wasn't great there, but he also didn't look bad and seemed to improve. But in all honesty, I'm not sure Gordon makes the team, sorry to say as I've rooted for the kid for some time. But a half season of good ball, a horrendous begining to 2023, and coming off a broken leg and so much missed time, I'm not convinced he's part of the equation at all. I think we should all remember that part of Kepler sticking only to RF is not only his preference...which is honest...but the feeling from the Twins was also a weaking of defense in RF as well. There was no net gain, and often a defensive negative. Now, I agree that Wallner is a true RF. I was very impressed with his improvements defensively while playing LF last year. And RF is smaller in Target Field for sure. But there are quirks in the stadium when playing RF that he will need time to figure out. But in the long run, other than a few games, especially early to let the younger players in AAA to grow, and Wallner time to learn RF nuances better, I just don't see the upside here. Castro gets more comfortable out in CF, Martin looks really good at St Paul, Keirsey might be able to help later on, Helman might be an option, etc, the biggest benefit I see is not Kepler as a full season backup CF option, but rather, someone who can give Buck a day off, buy time for development for the younger CF options, and let Wallner learn RF nuances for what will surely be his future position. That's how I'd pitch it to Kepler. A little help early, but we're not going to ask you to play a lot there, wear down, be uncomfortable, etc, just give us a hand here and there. BTW, I'm not sure having Taylor back for 2024 is the ideal solution. LOVE his defense! I think he'd steal more bases with a healthier back. Not sure if he could maintain the power he showed or not. I could live without the K's. But the Kiermaier signing seemed under slot based on a lot of projections. That might indicate Taylor being more affordable on a re-sign once the SP trade takes place. I'm just not a fan of Bader, despite speed and defense. He has little power and doesn't hit or get OB enough. I'd be really interested in Tommy Edman from the Cardinals...if they're still open to trades...as a solid bat, overall performer who can play almost everywhere, including CF. But do the Twins already have the same player in Castro, Martin, and possibly Helman and Gordon? The trade for Taylor last year was not only smart, but out of the blue. And I know Rocco...and I think the FO...wants a strong defender in CF. I do as well. But other than bringing Taylor back, I'm not sure there is an easy ADD to be betterthan what's on hand. And I just don't feel Kepler as the semi-regular in CF actually helps. He is solid there, but somewhat uncomfortable. He tends to wear down playing there extensively. Well hell, after he made a MAJOR adjustment last season...possibly a career changing adjustment...to just live with some more K's and JUST HIT THE DAMN BALL HARD, he suddenly looked like the player/hitter we've all been dreaming about for most of 8 plus years! I'm concerned about CF, as we all are. I'm looking for help there, and the future. And I believe the Twins approach should be. "We need a CF for 2024" and bank on Buxton's health as gravy. I just don't believe Kepler is any sort of "easy answer" at all. In fact, I think he might be in a category all by himself. If he has ACTUALLY, FINALLY, figured out that he is so damn talented he can just adjust his previous approach, AGAIN, to live with more K's and hit the ball hard, I'm more worried about the Twins extending him, and not about messing with him playing an abundant amount of CF. SORRY to be so long winded here. But there is a TON to unpack when we talk about CF and Buxton. And now Kepler is being brought in to the discussion as well. And talent vs 2 and 1/2 years of poor play vs potential and finally figuring it out is part of the discussion as well. I'm thinking the Twins might add a CF option after they add a SP. And it's still early enough that it might be Taylor, or they might make a trade, or they might just trust the talent on hand. But I don't believe it's Kepler on a regular basis for everything I've rambled about here.

Just to add, we've seen moves like this before that make us scratch our heads a bit. Why on the 40 man? As you said, maybe they like the potential of a rebound enough they didn't want to fight other teams. But then, teams make moves, start to set their rosters...including the Twins...and as ST gets close, it's easier to pass a guy like this through waivers and go unclaimed as rosters appear mostly set. I wouldn't be surprised if this is part of the Twins thinking.

To be clear, I ABSOLUTELY believe the smart thing for ANY club is to look for diamonds in the rough every year. Especially when you are a mid market team. So while I would have preferred Staumont on a milb deal, it wasn't a bad signing. Nor was Alexy on his milb deal. And there will be a couple more, same with other teams. Once again, that's how you find 1yr wonders like Wissler, and better options like Thielbar and Stewart. And while he wasn't outstanding, it sure looked, briefly, that they found a potentially viable option in DeLeon last year before his arm fell apart. And over the years, there have been others, under this FO, and the previous one as well. My only issue with our current FO is making smart choices. And IMO, they haven't always made those smart decisions. Last year, both Coulombe and Hoffman had great springs. It would have cost next to nothing to part with them if they proved to be poor choices ultimately. But they let Coulombe walk for nothing to Baltimore where he had a solid year. And Hoffman was simply let go and signed with the Phillies only to have probably the best year of his career. So YES, keep brining in talented arms that have potential and have had injuries or never put it together yet. Find as many Thielbar and Stewart finds as you can! But for goodness sake, when you seem to have found one, KEEP HIM. You can always move on later. While the pen was still generally solid last year, for the most part, it could have been better if they just held on to what they already had, a pair of solid middle innings veterans who might have helped, especially Hoffman. FWIW. Alcala continues to perform well in winter ball. He finally allowed a run and took a loss, but 4 saves and 14K and 5 hits in 8.2 IP is impressive. 4 BB is not great. I believe Winder and Sands have at least 1 option remaining. Balazovic has none. So in an 8 man pen, there MIGHT be room to keep Balazovic if he SHOWS UP and raises his game. Otherwise, he could end up a waiver wire DFA in one of the hardest falls we've seen for a Twins prospect. Honestly, if he doesn't do enough, show enough, to warrant a 26 man spot, he might just unclaimed at that point. My point is, to the FO, if you bring in Alexy and Staumont, and anyone else they might bring in...and I'm of the belief a deal MIGHT happen for an arm...if a guy looks really good, and you think he could carry over his ST to the season, keep him and don't fall in love with an arm you still "hope" might turn out.

Just my gut feeling, but I think Rocco, and I'd bet the FO as well, would be willing to live with a limited bat who plays great defense in CF. Example: Taylor. And I have some reservations as to how good Slater is defensively in CF. Both the Brewers and Cardinals have similar CF options and enough depth to move someone. And there "someone's" might be better defensively, while also having offense, or offense upside. Not sure this is a great fit. But it's a well thought out possibility that has some merit. I can see Farmer moved in the right deal. And I can see the Twins weathering the loss of Farmer as a backup SS option since Correa doesn't miss many games, Castro can play the spot OK on occasion, so can Lewis, and Lee is in the wings. But I just have this "sense" that the Twins really want to keep Farmer for 2024 at his $6M for defense, versatility, an OK bat, and leadership. He might be moved. But I don't think they are in a hurry to do so.

I had to think about this one for a bit. And I'm coming around to this as an interesting idea. I don't think the Twins are going to add a big bat this year for a couple of reasons: 1] The cost of adding said big bat comes with either a pretty high salary, or trade capital, or both. And I don't think that's where they're headed, especially with a SP still being the top priority. 2] Despite a generally poor 1st half to 2023...at least very inconsistent...the Twins still ended up with one of the better run producing offenses last year. That despite a poor start, various injuries and slow starts and poor performance, (Gallo except for 1 month), and because there is so much optimism with a reasonably healthy Buxton, a healthy Correa and Kirilloff, and the continued development of Wallner, Lewis, and Julien. Meneses isn't a difference maker, but he moves the needle some on the fringes. He doesn't walk a ton, but 130K's in over 600 AB is impressive. He's got some HIT ability and XB power. His contract is low, and he doesn't fit a rebuilding Washington roster and should come cheap. My concern is how good/solid/bad is he defensively at 1B and the corner OF spots? And do the Twins MAYBE have a pair of options in A rebounding Miranda and the non 40 man but versatile Helman already on board as options? BUT, Helman and Miranda can also begin 2024 at St Paul. Depth is great. And it wouldn't be costly to move on from Meneses if necessary. Duvall would cost more $, has injury concerns, but can be very dangerous when he's right. Hmmm...interesting ideas here. If Meneses comes cheap in regard to prospect cost, and can play decent defense, this could be a smart move. He could be the 2024 Solano, but different positions.

Potentially good arm. Used to have good stuff. The contract is great. I just would have like this better if it were milb deal with a split contract. Two bad years and coming off surgery I'm just not sure ibsee the 40 man need at this point.

Every single offseason for every single team we have flier signings like this to see if a guy is now healthy, has polished his mechanics, can learn a new pitch, has his screwed back on straight, etc, etc. And every single season someone balks at the idea because said signing(s) show their team isn't trying, or trying hard enough, etc. AAA clubs need arms too. And once in a while you get that Wissler, Thielbar, Stewart, etc. 25yo, was once well regarded, seems healthy, why not take a shot and see if you get lucky? If it doesn't work out, he can be cut at any time.

So here's the thing, by virtually EVERYONE'S opinion...barring a huge surprise...the Twins will look to add a quality SP for 2024 similar to adding Lopez last year. Just like it WASN'T an insult to Ober last year, it is no insult to Varland that they want to add for 2024 to have that 6th SP "in their pocket" because EVERYONE needs more than 5 SP through the course of a season. Sometimes you get very, very lucky and only need about 7 at some point. And, unfortunately, sometimes you get very unlucky and have a run of injuries and need more. But even the healthiest teams sometimes need that temporary fill in starter, or that double header add, etc. I don't have every number at my grasp right now, but if you look at Varland's 2022 numbers, and the first 5 starts to 2023, he was looking pretty damn good. His final numbers in 3 poor 2023 starts skew his overall performance thus far. Has he proven he's a legitimate ML, potential mid rotation starter? Not yet with about 100 IP. But if you look hard at Baseball Reference...which I did a few weeks ago when this same topic was brought up...you would see a young hurler on a very solid 10 game stretch before 3 bad games. And yet again, the best start of his young career was a 7 IP, dominant, performance against the Astros in 2023 before he suddenly lost some control and the HR came in bunches. And yet again, the cutter looked different when he came up late last year. If his slider and change can be just a little more consistent, he might just be a #3. And he's got value as a #4 as well. But if the rotation is good enough, strong enough, and he DOESN'T grab hold of opportunity when it presents itself, YES, by all means, he should be in the pen. But to begin 2024, I've sure seen enough to keep him as the 6th SP in waiting the same way Ober was in 2023.

I absolutely get your choice of Castro. But I'm going to hold out hope you are wrong. 😀 He's got a lot of ability. And he has the old fashioned attitude I can't help but call "gumption". I think he was promoted too quickly and never fully developed by Detroit. Of course, some guys mature at different ages/points as well. He's still only 26yo until April. I'd like to think his improvement was experience, a new opportunity, new coaching, and the right age to put it together. Again, you might be right. But I'm also thinking he might IMPROVE rather than regress at this point in his career. If he can build on his past experience, and his uptick from 2023, all he has to do is maintain, or maybe BB just a few more times, K just a few less times, make harder contact on just a few more pitches...just a couple % more...and he's just that much more valuable. At not yet 27yo and just coming in to what should be his prime years, I'm hoping for maintenance, or even slight improvement.

Twins Daily News I guess I'm in general agreement with most here: 1] Lewis has STAR written all over him. That being said, he was SO GOOD last year that regression should be expected. But even 20-30 points here and there and he'd still be performing at an All Star level. 2] Julien's great eye, and mix of patience and aggressiveness bodes well for his future. He will K some due to patience, but also get a bunch of BB as well as finding the pitch he really wants and then driving it. Experience might be the only thing he doesn't have right now. So I can see some regression, at least initially. 3] I also have the most "concern" about Wallner. But that concern isn't great. At every level he's played he's shown the ability to learn, grow, and adapt. He takes a lot of walks, despite K-ing a fair amount, because he actually has a pretty good eye. (Much like Julien). And I did witness him change his approach with 2 strikes many times in 2023. Regression? At least some? Good chance simply due to youth. But a good eye and great power and previous examples of adapting have me optimistic for his future. In fact, I'm pretty optimistic about all 3 at this point. I expect bumps in the road to be sure. But they've all shown enough at all levels to display their potential. I don't expect a washout on any of them. BTW, how about an optimistic addition of AK's wrist problems now gone, and his shoulder injury not being very bad. He's as good as these other 3, and not much older. Reply to this conversation... Used 6% messenger storage Privacy Policy Contact Us Cookies Copyright © 2023 DiamondCentricPowered by Invision Community A RAPTIVE PARTNER SITE

Just to be clear, the kid has flashed, both in 5 games in 2022 and his first 5 games in 2023. Solid, combined ERA below 4 and some solid K numbers. His final 3 starts in 2023 is where the wheels came off, skewing his final numbers somewhat, ironic that those 3 games came on the heels of a dominate 7 IP gem against the Astros. He began 2023 as a rookie. I never expect a rookie to be polished and ready to be their complete selves from day one. (Nor should anyone). When sent back to St Paul, he continued to put in the work. I believe it was his cutter that was added or tweaked, I can't recall exactly right now. And that pitch seemed to really take off after his recall. Do I think he could by dynamite in the pen? Yes. But that assumption is based on talent and SSS. I also happen to believe his talent, and the larger SS I've seen shows he has real potential as a back end starter, maybe even a #3 if his 3rd and 4th pitch can remain consistent. I don't say "never move him". But with the rotation needing depth, and him showing nothing negative to indicate he can't be a quality starter, that's where he should stay for now. He gets surpassed but others, or DOESN'T show improvement in his consistency, then by all means, transition him to the pen. But not now.