IndianaTwin

Interesting exercise, including how it plays into the trade deadline. Over the last couple years, we've noted how the Twins have started the season with six starting pitchers with at least some experience, recognizing that it is almost a certainty that someone will be hurt. That meant sliding Ober into the rotation early last year and Varland this year (replacing DeSclafini). That's been a good plan. Similarly, I've observed that last year and this year, they began with about 16 "legitimate" hitters. By "legitimate," I mean with some level of MLB experience. They are reluctant to have a true rookie above about No. 15 on their roster. I think that's been a good plan. The presence of Margot and Farmer, for example, meant they weren't forced to keep a Wallner and Julien on the MLB roster when they struggled. I think shooting for 16 hitters is a good plan as well. With that in mind, I don't think there's enough time (barring injury) to get Severino or Rodriguez enough at bats to be above Nos. 15 and 16 on the list, so I've struck them from your list of 13. Even if they get a few at bats this year, I don't think they would count on them for an Opening Day spot, even if it's because that means they don't want to see someone with no experience (Kiersey/Prato/Helman, etc.) in the 15/16 slots. That leaves 11 on your list. I agree with your implied assumption that Farmer, Kepler, Santana and Margot won't be back. If we slot Severino and Rodriguez at Nos. 15 and 16, that means spots 12-14 are left. In that context, I think there is a place for Julien, if he continues to hit and gets at least some time back for the Twins. I agree that Kirilloff is a non-tender candidate. Either way, there is still one or two roster spots open. To that end, good as this overall list looks, I think there will still be at least one Farmer/MAT/Solano/Margot-type "veteran presence" added to the roster. (Note: I'm not saying this is the way they should do it -- I'm just thinking this is the way they will do it.)

At the very least, I anticipate an active winter on TD discussing permutations...

Paddack is under contract. Assuming his inconsistency this year has been the remnants of TJS recovery (and I'm of that mind), he's in the top 5.

I was having the same thought while listening to last night. If Lewis is back by even Aug. 1, that's a 20-25 game audition. These things have a way of working themselves out, so I don't get too anxious about this, and it's a good problem to have, but it does create an interesting situation with Lewis and Lee if Lee shows himself better defensively. The assumption has been that one of them will transition to 2B, but Lee didn't play there a ton and Lewis played none (or virtually none). Teams tend to give the incumbent his job back when returning from injury, but I'm not sure it's that clear cut.

This isn’t the purpose of the article, but when you add a rotation of Lopez, Ryan, Ober, SWR and Paddack, backed up by Varland, Festa, et. al, followed by Duran, Jax, etc., they already have a pretty impressive floor. This assumes letting Farmer, Santana, Margot and Kepler go, all of which seems likely. What would that make the payroll?

With a penchant for rotating through the DH and with where things are now, I’d list Miranda at 1B rather than Julien.

It all depends on the return. I can’t see them taking on the contract for someone like the Phanatic, even if he was available, and guys like Billy the Marlin do nothing for me. Wally the Green Monster would need a position change to be a Limestone Monster. Remember, too, that he’s a 10-and-5 guy, so he’s going to have to approve a trade. Aside from Colorado and maybe Seattle, I don’t see many climates a bear is going to accept. I think they are stuck with him. If they are going to make a change, I’d rather let him walk as a free agent. They aren’t going to give him a QO, and he’d probably accept it if they did. Why don’t they bring up Shucks from Cedar Rapids and let the young guys play? He’s some sweeeet corn.

1. Unless you have reason to have a seat “inside the fence,” when you get to town, your first stop is the grounds where the ceremony happens. Put out your blanket and lawn chair to reserve your spot. We put ours out around 9 a.m. on Saturday morning and were still back a ways. It will be safe until Sunday. 2. Visiting the Hall is great, but it will be very full on Saturday. If you have the ability to visit earlier (even Friday) or later, you will likely have a more enjoyable experience. If Saturday is your only option, by all means visit, but know it will be packed. 3. Cool as the ceremony is, the Saturday is evening parade was even more enjoyable for me. Particularly read point 3 in my blog from the Oliva induction for more than explanation. 4. Have fun!

How can we ever win a one-run game if they keep extending leads?

First job out of college was as a sports reporter and a local volleyball team had Nicki Miller, Nikki Miller and Niki Miller.

Going to take a little nap on the couch after this game before I head to bed. It’s my snors d’ouevre.

Can’t really bring myself to root for said team. Best I can do is to say that I wouldn’t mind if they don’t lose tonight.

Would be interesting to see if a particular menace made that name fall into disfavor, with parents not wanting to put their kid through elementary school with that gift.

Bringing new meaning to Mar-gone.

And if you live in Bulls country, including northern Indiana, Paxson and Jordan. Don’t remember anyone naming their kid Rodman, however.

I hear he doesn’t do those.

As was Peyton.

This cuts to the chase for me. Trading Kepler is more likely to weaken this year’s team than enhance it, and they’re not going to mess up the clubhouse mojo for the minimal return that it would get.

So you’re saying the Twins should trade their left (sic) fielder because he’s sucked, but that teams better than us might want him?

If the Mets were to sell, it’s hard to imagine it being Garrett, given his future control. More likely would be Adam Ottavino, who actually has a better FIP, WHIP and K/BB and who is a free agent after the season. His ERA is ugly, primarily because of a single four-run outing. He wouldn’t be a sexy add, but between him and Garrett, I’d prefer the O when you consider the cost.

Let’s go on a 48-game winning streak and get to .500.

Mariners announcers bragging on Dylan Moore playing multiple positions while Castro is at the plate. Moore will probably hit the 20-game thingie at four positions, with 29 at SS, 21 at 2B, now 17 at 3B and 15 in LF.

Agreed, but it does force them to use a player.

I thought so too, but on the replay it looked like they did get him on the back of the leg. Given that it’s the bottom of the eighth, though, I agree that it was worth the challenge.

With LLR scheduled in the eighth, I like going to Okert there and planning for Staumont in the ninth.