DocBauer

I've been fairly vocal that while adding another quality rotation arm seems to be an obvious priority for obvious reasons that we all know and understand, finding ONE MORE quality arm for the back end of the pen can change the entire dynamic of the bullpen. I'm pretty optimistic about the base of Duran, Jax, Stewart, Thielbar, and Funderburk. (Unfortunately, the talented Moran is out for the season and is a non factor). And there's questions after that, but a number of arms with some talent that were mostly high ranked prospects at some point that include names like Winder, Sands, Balazovic, Sands, and we might even include Headrick and the non rostered Henriquez as possibilities as well. And Canterino might be an option at some point, but he's not ready to begin the season unless something crazy good happens in ST. And while Varland MIGHT end up as part of the pen equation, I can't include him initially as he's probably going to at least begin the year as a rotation possibility, for depth if nothing else. Via trade, a FA value signed late who might be coming off a poor or injured season, or a veteran arm signed on a milb deal similar to Stewart, or past signings like Wisler, even Thielbar, and others, imagine how great the pen looks like with another strong 7th/8th inning kind of arm to make it 6 deep. NOW, you're only looking for a couple guys to fill the role of middle innings performance. That's where all of the "other" arms, and a couple cheap signings, come in to play. But with SP, very possibly a CF depth option, being perhaps the top priorities, even talk of adding a RH bat if it can be fit in, what if the Twins might already have that ONE ARM on the 40 man already in Jorge Alcala? His only full MLB season was 2021. It wasn't great, but it was solid. He had a 3.92 ERA in 59.2 IP. He had a really nice WHIP of .972 and had a K % of 9.2. What was encouraging was that he finished strong and looked like a potentially strong possibility for 2022. Unfortunately, he's been basically an injured non factor since. Late in 2023 he was excellent in a brief 7.2 IP for St Paul as part of his rehab return. He was reportedly throwing in the high 90's again on his rehab journey. While it's still a SSS, and winter ball...not exactly ML quality level...he's looking OUTSTANDING so far pitching in the Dominican League. He hasn't allowed an earned run in 7 games. He's got 4 saves and an insane .286 WHIP with 11 K's. We've seen the beginnings of a viable and potentially valuable BP option in 2021. Coming in to 2024, he's been a mess of injury the past 2yrs and is pushing 28yo next season. Actually sounds a little like the career of the slightly older Stewart. But he was once considered a very good prospect who transitioned to the pen and showed flashes in 2021. Is he 100% healthy, throwing as hard as ever, and ready to step forward and fill that 6th spot in the pen that's needed to move the bullpen from good to potentially great? I keep thinking he's a forgotten man on the roster who might be ready to surprise. Am i wrong?

I was part of the chorus singing for moving on from Kepler last year. I'm glad I was wrong. I am of the opinion that he can...more or less...repeat his June on performance from last year as long as he keeps doing what he was doing, and doesn't go back to his previous no power/contact approach. His rise in K percentage was not to an alarming level, and by actually hitting the ball hard he became the hitter I think we'd all always hoped he'd be. Now, just keep doing it Max! And I wouldn't him unless overwhelmed, as many have already stated, there isn't a really good replacement OF for the hole you've created. (And we're still uncertain about CF right now as well). BUT, if Polanco and Kepler could be moved for a SP...hopefully a nice BP arm as well...and their $20M could bring in Lourdes Gurriel, I'd be totally on board with that! Is it practical though? Almost sounds like too many moving parts to make it happen.

I've been a ML baseball for 50 years and a devout fan for 45. And I say again, there is NO WAY to predict the proverbial ACE in MLB with FEW exceptions. Clemmons was one of those. Strasburg was one before his arm fell off. Randy Johnson was NOT one until later in his career. And I've seen so many Stiebs and Coles and Santanas over my time that it's almost impossible to predict who will become an ACE, or even a #1 starter. I do think Lopez is on the right treak. I'm optimistic that Ryan and Ober are on that treat to be good to very good. Ryan's first 3 months were All Star caliber before his groin injury. Can he, fully healthy, replicate his 2023 1st half? I'm hopeful he can. I mean, forget ACE status, he looked really good. Ober was just as good. And he has been deliberately brought along slowly. And even when he was sent down late in 2023, it was just to help rest his arm. So he blew his debut in the playoffs. That doesn't dismiss his stuff or his career projection. No question Paddack is a question mark. And despite his aggressive approach to the end of last year, what we're looking for is to retain the some of the velocity shown, PLUS the changes in his breaking ball he showed in 2022 and late this past year. I trust in Lopez. And I have a good feeling about the 2024 rotation, even knowing there is going to be an X factor not know yet. There is a point in a pitchers career where stuff and experience comes together, late 20's, or early 30's, where it all comes together. Lopez is at that point. I am not going to anoint Ryan or Ober with that "I got it" a this point. But I've seen enough to believe both might have the potential to reach that point. Or at least a #2 status in time, though I expect both to be a good #3 right now. But the FO is either going to grab a solid #3 type in FA...which I doubt. I think they are going to grab SP X via trade. ABSOLUTELY. TODAY, RIGHT NOW, Lopez is the ONLY SP I want to begin a playoff series. But we're also talking about today vs late September next year. It's not hard to see a healthy and stretched out Ryan and Ober ready to take another step. Not hard to see a healthy Paddack regulated the same way Ober was in 2021...4-5 IP at a time. [Just being conservative]. And there is always Varland and pitcher X. Not sure I trust ANYONE right NOW to start a playoff game other than Lopez. But it's also December. I like the odds of our rotation, right now, adding pitcher X, and our pen, hopfully adding one good arm, and a lineup, to MAYBE win 90 plus wins. But 9 months from now can change a whole of things. And I'm not worried about a game 2 starter right now...even Gray fell apart...I'm just worried about the best staff and lineup the FO can put together. Today's #2-3 starter might be an All Star come July.

So maybe he's a flier they pick up when rosters get set after ST. Worth looking at. No offense to the Varland family He might turn out great brought on board. But he's not his brother. A flier to watch for.

Really? I think he could be a really, really good RP. But I also think he could be a really good mid rotation starter as well. Just because he looked good in a few BP appearances, we want to put him in the pen this soon? Look, I'm all about using your assets. But the 2 time milb pitcher of the year had a nice 2022 audition. He was very solid his first 6 games or so in 2023...he had an outstanding game against the Astros in late May...before the wheels came off a bit. So we automatically want him in the pen because he might be great there? I AGREE he might be outstanding in the pen. I just keep being frustrated that a kid who might be a legitimate #3 starter should be thrust in to the pen already. Again. I believe in building the best EVERYTHING from lineup, rotation, AND pen, but should we really move a kid with solid rotation ability to the pen this soon?

I almost stayed out if this, but just couldn't. FIRST, I want to make it clear that I like Ohtani from what little I know about him. A generational talent, and a seemingly good guy and teammate. And I love his "I have enough $ coming in from elsewhere, oay me later, and build up the best team you can" attitude/idea. I also want to state that I like the Dodgers. Always have liked them, respected them as an organization, and appreciated their history. They're one of my favorite teams, on my plan "B" list of teams behind the Twins. SECOND, there is NOTHING by the rules the Dodgers did wrong here. THIRD, I don't subscribe to busting up the players union. They fought hard to have one, as others have before them, and they should have their union. That being said, I CARE THE FUTURE OF BASEBALL! If the Dodgers end up hurting 10yrs or so now by having to spend $68M of their income/payroll for a player no longer in MLB, that's on them. But I would say that ONLY they, the Yankees, and the Mets could afford to do/try something like this. If you want to argue there's another 2-4 who might be able to pull it off, I won't argue with you. But what they've done...while perfectly within the rules and regulations as they stand today...is not FAIR. Now, we can argue about "fairness". But in sports themselves, and I dare say all ALL sports, rules and regulations are set up to play FAIR. All teams get the same number of players and coaches. (At least on the field). All teams play by the same rules on the field, court, ice, etc. Even in individual sports, golf and tennis, for example, each participant still plays by the same rules. When financial implications are so out of whack in a sport where only a handful of teams could ever do/try/risk something like this, your sport is on a dangerous path of non competition, and loss of public/fan interest. A high payroll guarantees NOTHING in regard to winning a championship. But it sure does allow a greater opportunity to build a super talented, deep, All Star caliber team with a better chance to reach the post season and win it all on a YEARLY BASIS than a mid or small market team. To deny that is being obstinate. In the NFl and the NBA, with salary floors and ceiling caps and revenue sharing, (even with a loophole here and there), there is still a basis of equal opportunity FINANCIALLY to assemble a team. It DOESN'T MEAN a team can't EARN greater profits than other teams! And that's a KEY POINT. In the NFL, for instance, would anyone ever believe the Carolina Panthers...as an organization...would EVER earn as much $ as say the Dallas Cowboys in pure profit? Or in the NBA, the Lakers over, IDK, the Pelicans? (They're still a team, right? Lol). But we're NOT talking about pure profit/income for an organization...make all the $ you can!...we're talking about a level playing field of competition. In MLB, right now, I feel the "problem" is not the union...though I have some issues with them...but the owners. Ownership, IMO, is broke down to 3 categories: 1] The rich teams who want to win and will/can spend to such a degree they will fight against or exceed any punitive cap to make it happen. Generally speaking, they usually have enough pure profit to absorb any financial penalties to do so. 2] More mid market teams that are trying to win, assemble the best construct organizationally they can, spend what they feel is viable, put the best product on the field to compete, and win best they can, and do so once in a while, ultimate prize, not just yearly competitive speaking wise. (Hint, this would be where the Twins sit). 3] A third group that either doesn't care about winning. Or only cares enough about it to keep the turnstiles moving to keep fans coming to the park, pocket their revenue sharing $, and call it a day. A big shout out to chpettit19 for his breakdown of a potential revenue sharing of all 30 MLB teams based on MLB profits, the only REAL financial number that we can know/calculate accurately. His $10.5 BILLION divided amongst 30 teams, resulting in approximately $170M per team does not include OTHER profits any team might/can earn additionally through merchandising and and more localized deals, such as radio, etc. Or do I have that wrong? Please correct me if I am. So if the TOP ML ownership groups would flex muscle, probably with help from the mid market teams, they could FORCE the lower end teams to stop lining their pockets with profit sharing...can't believe they haven't already objected to lining the pockets of those owners...and present a plan to the players for a 51/52% split of revenue like the NFL has done. For every $30M dollar player, there's another 5-6-7 veteran players earning far less to earn that, right? And that $170M MIGHT be a floor, adjusted 10-20-30M on a per year basis as a roster turns over. But what should an ownership care if it's coming from a pool? They can STILL make $ from so many diversifying elements for their portfolio. And if the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Giants. Phillies. etc, want to spend more, then why not. They have the market size to earn and spend far more than that. It's not about capping your payroll, necessarily, and DEFINITELY not about capping your earnings as an organization. It's about BUILDING your product and sustaining it! The NFL has become a juggernaut in this country. And to a degree, world wide. The NBA is not as large, but probably has a far greater reach globally. And while baseball HAS become a more global sport over the years, how many kids, worldwide, wear LeBron jerseys over, say, a Trout jersey? How many jerseys might be worn by Mahones vs Seager? Honestly, when you stroll down a street, or in a public mall, how many MLB jerseys or T Shirts do you see that are MLB vs the NFL or NBA? I do hold blame to the players union for just being too focused on huge contracts for the elite and not the general personnel and the growth of the sport. I think they're stubborn as hell. But I put FAR more blame on MLB ownership to just being OBTUSE to the world around them and NOT forcing changes that in their structure that would allow the sport to GROW. And ultimately, growth means even more potential profit. I hate to say it, but it sometimes feels like MLB is still stuck in an archaic mid 20th century attitude/power trip. I know it's not ALL owners, but it feels that way at times. The fan in me hates what Cohen, owner of the Mets is doing. Part of me likes it because it might "WAKE UP" MLB as a whole. And MAYBE this kind of deal the Dodgers did will add to the WAKE UP CALL MLB needs to realize crap is BROKE! And if you actually WANT your team, and INVESTMENT to grow, maybe you need to FINALLY step forward and make some changes. **I can't even pretend what it's going to be like for a Dodger game in a few years for a ticket, a dog and a beer.

Yep, that seems about right for now. And it's not a bad 26, plus some depth already mentioned. Offensively, Taylor in CF and Solano as a partial regular, are all that is missing from a lineup that was one if the most productive around in the 2nd half. Lewis, and AK both healthy, Wallner and Julien around for a full year, a semi-healthy Buxton, there's reasons for optimism that the offense can be better...hopefully more consistent...than last year. I don't hate that rotation, despite bring a step down, or bullpen, though it's not where I want it yet. I don't want to tear down the team, I don't want to trade a bunch of prospects, and I know the FO isn't going to lay out major $ I. FA. STILL, they pull off another Gray/Lopez kind of deal the rotation is better, deeper, and it might even affect the pen. FA steal of a deal come February, acquired in a trade, or a previously good arm on a rebound, I'd just love to add one good, solid, quality arm to deepen the pen. Keeps Varland in the rotation, and makes only the front two spots to be figured out, auditioned for, and rotated through. That's not too much to ask for is it? Might still want help in CF as Buxton insurance. A legitimate option like Taylor was, not just "we have a guy or two who can play it" until Martin is ready. (Yeah, I think he ends up there). But then again, how much of an investment do we want to make if we have Buxton and Martin soon? Another RH bat would be nice, but where does he fit, and at what price? And is that bat necessary when you look at that lineup with more time together? Get me 2 good arms...plus a couple fliers...and one of those last 2 options, and I'm happy with this club.

Yes, both teams match up well for a wide variety of trade possibilities. But...bad timing? Firstly, isn't a quality SP still the #1 priority to be added? Seems to me there's a pretty good chance Polanco...possibly Julien, but that's a different discussion...is involved in that move. And if that happens, the Twins could afford to keep Farmer, probably will, and probably should. So there go the trade scenarios presented here, more than likely. Secondly, while I don't believe anyone can say/predict what Byron's health is going to be in 2024, he's WAY ahead of where he was this time last year. That offers up both optimism and questions as to whether we might get another 80-100 games from him in CF so done really want/need to trade for a priority option in CF? Or should we just assume something bad is going to happen to Buck and we should just make believe he's not in the picture and another CF option IS a priority? That takes us back to the first point, yes? Thirdly, Martin had himself a fine end to 2022, a great AFL, and a great 1/2 season of AAA in 2023. But last year was still half a season, and he wasn't in CF daily. So while the FO has stated previously they think he's a natural OF, and has flashed there so far, is he really ready offensively and defensively for a extended play? Not sure we know yet. I liked what I saw of Castro in center last year, but I don't know that I want him as my daily, #1 option there. Ditto for Gordon, who might not even make the roster unless someone is injured as Larnach. Miranda, Martin, Helman, and even an I expensive late trade or FA signing for a RH bat might happen like last year. So if we're not really sure, positive, in Castro and/or Gordon/Martin for CF if Buxton is down...and I'm still including Helman in this discussion as over 1/2 of his milb OF play has been in CF, as well as Keirsey who I don't think should be dismissed as a functional possibility at least...then do we again look to add? And who gets moved when a SP still seems to be the #1 priority. Or, do we hope for the best from Buxton, mix and match, and just see what works until someone steps forward? As I said, it's really bad timing right now. A lot of questions on the one side, numbers and hope and depth with potential on the other. Ideally, they could sign Taylor back, or snag Kiermaier...which I like even better...and move on from Gordon. Kiermaier is, at worst, the #4 OF who probably plays almost daily. You don't trade any more prospects away as the addition only costs $$, maybe $7-8M??? Castro continues in his role. Martin isn't pushed, and can get a little more AAA to polish his game before getting his shot.

I disagree with your opinion as a SP. And I agree with your assessment he could be a weapon out if the pen. 😀

Cory, honestly, why? I get he has the stuff to potentially be excellent in the pen, and Rocco has publicly salivated over the idea, but why would we take a potential #3 quality SP...and they're ALL "mid rotation" prospects in general to start...and move him to the pen this soon? He's a 2 time Twins milb pitcher of the year. His 5 game debut in 2022 was quite solid. He was actually throwing pretty well in his first 5 or 6 starts in 2023, including his BEST game against the Astros, before the wheels suddenly came off his next 3 starts. He's got guts, a good FB, a really good looking cutter/slider. And he was still, more or less, a rookie last year with only 5 starts the year before. If he can harness any version of a change kind of pitch, he's still a legitimate ML SP. I just think any option of putting him in the pen TOO SOON, potentially robs the 2024 team for rotation depth, but also future teams going forward. I mean, you can always move him to the pen later, right? This is just MY OPINION. I believe the Twins are ONE ARM short of having a really good pen. Duran, Jax, Stewart, Thielbar, and Funderburk gives you a great foundation. Now, imagine BP arm X added? A trade, a smart FA rebound signing, another Stewart milb veteran coming back, or even, dare we hope, someone like Alcala taking the next step forward. I'm NOT opposed to using your BEST ARMS to make the ML squad the best it can be. But if I'm the FO, I'm trying to find the best option for a SP add. And I'm also looking for the best, smartest, various options I can find to add another arm to deepen the back end of my pen FIRST, before I put Varland there. IF I can find that ONE ARM, the whole complexion of my staff changes. I have Varland for rotation depth. And I can plug him in to the pen later. And NOW, I'm just looking at any other milb deal option, or my 40 man of Winder, Sands, Balazovic, Alcala, Headrick, Canterino later, to fill the last 2 spots in my pen. I don't want to have a starting staff that needs "innings eaters" because my starting staff is weak. But I also don't want a pen, with a solid rotation, to just keep someone on staff as a "just in case" like Sands was most of last year. That's just silly and poor execution of your pen.

You called me out! LOL! Just to be 100% transparent, as a huge fan of Kepler over the years, I was ready to move on from both he AND Gallo after a few months last season. The reasons for Gallo are obvious. The reasons for moving on from Max are more complicated. But after a career of unbelievably poor BABIP that defied description and talent, 2 1/2 years or so of disappointing/poor production, and with Wallner ready, and some belief that if Larnach just got a chance at healthy, and extended play, the Twins would benefit by the change. And to continue, I still think there is SOMETHING in Larnach that hasn't "come out" yet. (Part of the reason I still think he's potentially part of a trade package). Even without becoming the player we all hoped/thought he might be, I still think he could bat .225-.230 ish with 20 HR and 30 Dbls if given 450 AB. I like his arm, though it doesn't match Wallner's. (Few do). But the Kepler we got for about 3 months in 2023 was very different, and I think the shift changes had little to do with it. I don't have the expert/practiced eye to break it down like others do, but it seemed as though he FINALLY figured out that if he just made good, hard contact with the ball good things would happen. No more trying too hard to flip the ball, aim the ball, stop trying to yank it out of the yard all the time, just trust his natural swing and power and hit it hard when he made contact. I don't believe 3 months in a SSS for such a talented veteran. I've also been a huge proponent for Jeffers as I think too many disbelievers weren't actually watching the results of him behind the plate, or taking in to account the actual limited time he's actually had at the ML level as 2020 was short, he had an injury that deprived him of time, and he entered 2023 with less than 600 ML AB. I fully appreciate your idea of Kepler to the Dodgers for one of those top 2 catching prospects. It's not a bad idea as to this day I think so many teams...fans for that matter...undervalue how important good catching is to a team! I WOULDN'T move Jeffers under any circumstances, were I running the Twins, as they have a quality backstop in the still only 26yo Jeffers who also brings good offense. I AM interested in acquiring another high quality catcher to add to the system. But I would only be interested in doing so if Vazquez was moved in a deal. However, no matter how good of prospects they might be, Cartaya and Rushing are AA 22yo "potentials" at this point. And I follow the draft and the milb system very close. I think Camargo has a chance to be a solid, quality ML catcher with power and SOME hit ability. Winkel, Cardenas, Cossetti all offer some solid potential. Nate Baez, new to being a catcher only after splitting time at various positions in college until his last full season, has tremendous athletic ability for a backstop and is loaded with potential after a delayed start to his pro career. Am I convinced that the "new" Kepler is for real? Not completely. Would I move him in the right deal even with some current OF concerns? Yes. But I don't think I'd move him for a AA catcher with potential at this point. I'd rather he'd be moved as part of a deal for a SP. Or maybe moved for a Duran/Alcala type arm sitting at AA/AAA/having just debuted in 2023 arm for the pen. Your trade option is very interesting. But I'm looking to move Kepler to make the 2024 Twins a better, deeper, more dangerous contender, and not for a future talent in this case.

I never posted on this because: A} It wasn't directly about the Twins B} I never believed in the Jays. I was going to wait and see the ink on paper before I was going accept it as real. Is anyone really baffled this happened???

Even low leverage relievers get used in higher leverage spots at times. It's unavoidable. You hope for the best when it happens. And the Twins did a good job in keeping Pagan in that role and getting the most out of him. But I don't see replacing his innings as all that difficult, just different. First, I still want Varland in the rotation. He's got real potential there, and I'm not ready to make him pen option at this point Second, I really, really want the Twins to find an arm via trade, or FA signing...probably coming off a down year and looking for a rebound...that can deepen the back of the pen by one more arm. But I also believe, and fully endorse, the signing of a couple veteran arms on milb, prove it deals. Stewart was acquired that way. So was Thielbar, and a few others. One of those arms might be part of the front end IP vacuum we're talking about. Rocco and the FO really wanted to have a long man on staff last season. Makes some sense when you have games started by the likes of Archer, Shoemaker, etc. You can ride someone, and then send them to St Paul, replacing them with someone else. Except, not only did the Twins seldom need someone in that role in 2023, but they kept Sands on the roster for most all of the season and he pitched a whopping 21 innings. And he had better numbers than Winder or Balazovic. So why was he just wasting away on the bench at that point? That's poor management of your pen. So Pagan and his rubber arm will be replaced by simply using the front of your pen better, and making it deeper. I like Winder and his new FB, and Sands with his great breaking ball, taking a step forward each for greater consistency now that they've been moved to the pen full time. Balazovic might do the same. There's still hope for the young, re-signed Henriquez to get it together. And yeah, and other DeLeon type of signing can help a lot. I'm worried about having the best back 5-6 guys I can. That deepens my pen. And that deepens the front of the pen options pool to find the best couple I need.

I do like Verdugo's age better, and he's probably been more consistent. But Max is probably the better defender, and has a higher ceiling type bat. But yeah, they are probably pretty comparable as players. I think Kepler is more valuable to the Twins in 2024 than a solid AA starter and a AAA reliever, unless both look like near locks to contribute, contribute soon, and project nicely. Just not sure that's gonna happen. Now, if Kepler brought back a young, controllable, Duran-ish pen arm from someone really needing RF/LH bat help for a 2024 playoff push, I'd think really hard on that and fill in the OF best I can.

I love Polanco. I don't want to trade him. But the Twins have to trade someone if they want to acquire someone. And Polanco, a really good player and teammate, with 2years of inexpensive control, is going to be worth a fair amount to a team needing to upgrade. The FA market has very, very little for the INF. The Twins aren't going to dump Polo to save money. But he might bring back a solid CF, or pen arm. Or he might be part of a 2 or 3 for 1 that brings in that younger, talented SP with upside that's needed/wanted. Frankly, as much as I love Polanco...and have been watching as one of my favorite players since he was in low A ball...I'd rather move him than the younger, cost controlled Julien or Lee. But I'm not moving him unless it makes another part of my team better. That's the way it's supposed to work.

Ahhh...Lew Ford. One great season with the Twins. One mediocre season. Parts of 2 really poor seasons. But a lifetime of memories and stories that are only partially true, but are just better left alone, as they are, for posterity. Lol

As a converted position player, his story is very interesting! Makes you wonder if the FO was that smart, or just lucky, LOL. But seriously, he was OK in the minors and really took off after a full conversion to the pen. I think it could be argued that he had proven enough that he should have auditioned earlier in 2023 than he did. NOT going to expect greatness from him, but the milb numbers were great, and in SSS last year he just LOOKED like he belonged. I think he's part of the 2024 pen and beyond, as long as he doesn't suddenly lose control. I was impressed.

Who is your dealer, for WHATEVER you are on! I need some! Stream of consciousness, narrative technique in nondramatic fiction intended to render the flow of myriad impressions—visual, auditory, physical, associative, and subliminal—that impinge on the consciousness of an individual and form part of his awareness along with the trend of his rational thoughts.

Buxton's career OPS is .768. Good, solid, productive. Buxton's 4yr OPS from 2019-2022, ages 25-28yo, a prime 4 year run, was .877! Folks, that's a DIFFERENCE MAKER, even on a limited basis of availability! I continue to state, an object to those who disagree, that IF AND WHEN Buxton's physical well being dictates he becomes a DH is NOT based on it not working in 2023. Despite TRYING to play and produce, he was a physical mess. And he probably should have been shut down earlier than he was. But when you look at what Buck has done while playing 75-90% healthy at times, if he could make the mental adjustment to being a DH one of these days...as others have...he might be great in that role. Or maybe not. But just because it didn't happen, while seriously injured, in pain, etc, in 2023 doesn't mean he/it should be discounted down the road. But foe the immediate future, he's already better now than he was this time last season. If he can give 80 games in CF, and another couple dozen at DH, it is a huge win for him, as well as the Twins. That's what I'm hoping for, 80 games, another couple dozen at DH, and the remainder of his season are some rest days and a short IL stint or two. If he can just do that for the next 3-4yrs, things look cherry! If he can't, then things change. But we aren't there yet. Hope and optimism are one thing, blind faith is different. I DO believe the FO should be viewing 2024 as gravy for anything Buxton can provide. What I am unsure of these days, is to what degree they look for depth at CF. I'm fine with Castro there once in a while. I've become a real optimist as to Martin as an option, but how soon does the FO believe he's ready? I actually...surprise!...like unreserved Helman as a potential OF/utility option over Gordon as a potential roster piece over Gordon. Trades might change things, but I'm not sure where Gordon fits any longer. The often discussed Keirsey is about 4th on my list for potential help in 2024. There are some trade options with the Cardinals and Brewers that might be cheap, and realistic for a 4th OF, legitimate CF option that I find interesting. I really liked the idea of adding Kiermaier as that 4th OF, or maybe bringing back Taylor. But with any hope tied to Buxton, some interesting guys on hand, and potentially some budget constraints, can they afford the FA route? I like Kiermaier a lot on a 1yr, and I might go 2yrs if the numbers make sense. (More the 1st year as enticement, maybe a player option for the second). I'm just not certain any longer that the Twins go DEEP for a CF until they add a rotation arm, and THEN examine the idea of what's the better add, a RH bat, or CF option. The speculation is maddening more than most seasons as there are so many moving parts between FA and trades, and who might or might not move. And I don't think we can accurately project ANYTHING until we see the FIRST MOVE, which will undoubtedly be a rotation arm.

Buxton's career OPS is .768. Good, solid, productive. Buxton's 4yr OPS from 2019-2022, ages 25-28yo, a prime 4 year run, was .877! Folks, that's a DIFFERENCE MAKER, even on a limited basis of availability! I continue to state, an object to those who disagree, that IF AND WHEN Buxton's physical well being dictates he becomes a DH is NOT based on it not working in 2023. Despite TRYING to play and produce, he was a physical mess. And he probably should have been shut down earlier than he was. But when you look at what Buck has done while playing 75-90% healthy at times, if he could make the mental adjustment to being a DH one of these days...as others have...he might be great in that role. Or maybe not. But just because it didn't happen, while seriously injured, in pain, etc, in 2023 doesn't mean he/it should be discounted down the road. But foe the immediate future, he's already better now than he was this time last season. If he can give 80 games in CF, and another couple dozen at DH, it is a huge win for him, as well as the Twins. That's what I'm hoping for, 80 games, another couple dozen at DH, and the remainder of his season are some rest days and a short IL stint or two. If he can just do that for the next 3-4yrs, things look cherry! If he can't, then things change. But we aren't there yet. Hope and optimism are one thing, blind faith is different. I DO believe the FO should be viewing 2024 as gravy for anything Buxton can provide. What I am unsure of these days, is to what degree they look for depth at CF. I'm fine with Castro there once in a while. I've become a real optimist as to Martin as an option, but how soon does the FO believe he's ready? I actually...surprise!...like unreserved Helman as a potential OF/utility option over Gordon as a potential roster piece over Gordon. Trades might change things, but I'm not sure where Gordon fits any longer. The often discussed Keirsey is about 4th on my list for potential help in 2024. There are some trade options with the Cardinals and Brewers that might be cheap, and realistic for a 4th OF, legitimate CF option that I find interesting. I really liked the idea of adding Kiermaier as that 4th OF, or maybe bringing back Taylor. But with any hope tied to Buxton, some interesting guys on hand, and potentially some budget constraints, can they afford the FA route? I like Kiermaier a lot on a 1yr, and I might go 2yrs if the numbers make sense. (More the 1st year as enticement, maybe a player option for the second). I'm just not certain any longer that the Twins go DEEP for a CF until they add a rotation arm, and THEN examine the idea of what's the better add, a RH bat, or CF option. The speculation is maddening more than most seasons as there are so many moving parts between FA and trades, and who might or might not move. And I don't think we can accurately project ANYTHING until we see the FIRST MOVE, which will undoubtedly be a rotation arm.

The difference between Raya and Canterino is somewhere between 6-7 years of age. Interested and confused at the same time on Raya. I know he didn't pitch the covid year he was selected...nobody did...but a minor injury further delayed his debut. But his stuff/talent is so good, they've promoted him super aggressively, while keeping his IP down to build him up. Not sure I've ever seen a young arm handled in this way. Guessing he spends the whole season at AA just being nursed along and built up. I've previously been in favor of Canterino remaining a starter for two reasons: 1] With a "new arm" and such tremendous stuff, who cares if he debuts as a 28yo? A 5 or 6 strong seasons as a rotation arm takes him to age 32/33 and you get some, potentially, really good years from him. Not saying his career is over at that point, just looking at production and control. 2] Even if moved to the pen, being a starter, at least for a while, should help him build his arm up and let him work on his pitches, and control, before making a pen move. But I'm starting to more and more to look at him as a slightly older version of Duran...who never had surgery...but had a few setbacks and amazing stuff. I still wonder about letting Canterno start, probably as an opener, to begin with, just to, again, work on his stuff, but maybe just do so with the idea of moving him to the pen really soon. Even with his rebuilt arm, it might be more prudent to just accept he's "built" foe the pen, and not the rotation. And as such, he might be ready in 2024. Might be better for the Twins, and for his career. He's got the potential to be a legitimate setup man, possible closer or co-closer type arm, perhaps as early as the 2nd half of 2024 and going in to 2025 and beyond.

Thanks for mentioning Ohl. His 2023 was excellent. And if reports are accurate that late in the season, and during this offseason, he's now hitting mid 90's consistently to go along with control, breaking and change stuff, he might change this whole list. And the headline of the OP does say "breakout", not, next to make an appearance. I think Raya has a special arm, but it's being brought along fast through the system, but slow in regard to work. I have no clue what to think of SWR at this point. Festa will debut this year. Good chance Lewis does in 2025. One of them would be my choice for a "breakout". We'll say Festa as he's closer, and has more time to debut, work on things, and then take that next step.

Agreed with Riverbrian that "baseball" player is really more accurate. But "baseball player who plays a lot.kf sifferent positions on a regular basis" is long enough that I also simply use the "super utility" label for convenience sake, lol. Yes to Castro. I don't even need him to improve on any way to want him on my team doing exactly what he did last year. I just don't want to see a lot of regression. Young, talented, solid milb numbers, promoted too early probably, not really developed by Detroit, I have a feeling he's not going to nosedive. I like Farmer for a lot of reasons, including leadership and tough guy attitude. His offense is OK, defense solid across the INF. But are they keeping him? One if he or Polanco will be gone, IMO, due to payroll, room, and trades to fill other holes. But he's pretty valuable if kept around. I don't know that I see Martin...in the strictess sense of the defenition...as a super utility. He might end up with that designation. I just have this hunch he's going to end up as a starting OF, who CAN play 3B//2B. Or a rotating 4th OF who can kinda do it all, but mostly be there for defense, OB%, and baserunning/SB purposes. But yeah, I can see a scenario where he teams WITH Castro to create a really good 1-2 punch as quality, rotating options. I'm still not falling asleep on Helman. He might do nothing. But he's a late bloomer who's gotten better each of the past 3yrs and would have gotten his shot on 2023 if he didn't keep running in to that lousy old injury wall. Guy plays all 7 spots, has some power and speed, and seems to show enough bat control that would lead one to believe he will be able to hit a little at the ML level. Prato is a slightly younger version of Helman, maybe a little better hit ability, but perhaps a little less speed and power. He's down the list, but it doesn't mean you can't help sometime in 2024. I'm just having a hard time seeing room for Gordon unless there are trades, or injuries, or both. No options left, a half a season of quality ML offensive success, and seemingly unwanted in the INF by the Twins, I just don't know that I see a future in Minnesota any longer.

I'd like to have him back for depth. And who knows, there are guys in their mid to later 20's that turn in to solid bench players/role players, and you need them too. But not only is he probably not selected, he's behind Buxton, Castro, Martin, Gordon, and probably non 40 man Helman at this point, 1yr older, more experienced at AAA, and has raked there. Even if Gordon is not kept, Keirsey is still down on the list. That being said, I really do want him in St Paul for 2024 and see if he can take another step. Never a bad thing to have more depth/options.

Hey, I chose to quote you here, in this part of the discussion, as it rings true with some of my own thoughts. Personally, I DO think the Twins have good ownership overall. And I'm not even speaking about community efforts and the such. But I do applaud them during covid, and their efforts their to keep everyone and pay everyone. And when the FO has advanced the payroll for multiple seasons as of late, they've done that. And while being a middle class, OK but traditional struggling middle class American, I would never begrudge a business to make a profit. But there is a point where I do want to slam my fist down! It's OK to look at ownership of a pro sports team as an investment. You make $ every single year. And 10-20-30 years later if and when you sell, your quadruple your initial investment, if not more, even adjusted for inflation. So I'm OK with making a huge profit at the end, and $ earned before that. Owning a sports team is, ultimately, a profit. And you might own one for profit, but if you are even a little bit of a fan, you would hope for something that adds to the community as well as your own self worth. And investing in that team adds to total $value in the long run. And it should do so for the community at large as well. Where MY problem comes in to play is a lack of investment because the investment is ONLY $ earned. Let's say the Twins earn $300M per season, arguement sake. Based on expected payroll, $155M should be in play. Then you have FO, scouts, milb, advertising, travel, who knows! So you profit...I'm just spitballing a number for numbers sake...let's say $50M yearly from owning the Twins. EXCEPT, you are a multi-billion family and the profits from the Twins are about 10th on your list for income. So if you invest a little more in the Twins, and "lose" another $10M in your total yearly income, what does that actually do for the family portfolio, as well as future value, and the community spirit you are part of? I live in a fantasy world of sports ownership. I miss Carl. I'm betting he would see the things I see...spend a little more, and a $30M is still OK rather than a $50 payout that we really don't need. And everyone is happy. Here's hoping Joe is more like his grandfather.