Mill1634

The issue with the article is making a big deal of Max wearing a police mask. So what if he wears a police mask? It does not mean, in any world, mean that he was supporting what Derek Chauvin did and the article + others comments seem to make it seem like he is supporting that by supporting police. You're allowed to support both police and the protestors. America would be a dumpster fire without police force as we have seen in other countries. It doesn't mean that the police are perfect, because they are far from it. However, it isn't Max Kepler's job, or any other athlete for that matter, to speak up and make some sort of politically correct statement. He is in the spotlight because he is a baseball player, not because he is supposed to solve deep rooted issues in America. Stop trying to make him what he isn't.

Okay, but when did him supporting police turn in to supporting Derek Chauvin? It didn't. The article is out of context. It doesn't mean that he is all of a sudden supporting killing POC because he wore a police mask. Again, it is possible to support both sides. Without police we would not have a functioning society, as seen the last few days.

You did though, a co-owner wrote an entire article talking about how Kepler needs to be better and how wrong he was. He did a thing he didn't know was wrong (whether you think he should've double checked or not is a moot point), removed the post after being informed, and released a statement about how he was sorry and stood with the protestors. What more do you want him to do? He is a German-American baseball player. He doesn't need to have a stance on American politics whether you want him to or not. He is a baseball player, not a politician.

But it clearly turned into him having a stance on the issue. Just because he wore a mask with a blue stripe does not mean that he thought what Derek Chuavin did was right, and I know you're smart enough to figure that out. You can both support police and the protestors at the same time. We need police in our life, but we also need both. It's possible for him to support both, and I am sure that he does. Stop taking things out of context to push an agenda out there.

Nick, I appreciate you having the willingness to put the article out there. Something CLEARLY needs to be done. However, I think it could've been done without taking a shot at Max Kepler. He did release a full statement on instagram talking about racism and how it was a problem and how he stands with the protestors. You clearly didn't include that. I also think this should be moved to a different section. It isn't a political issue, but you knew it would become one. You have a great thing going with TD and I would hate to see that be wiped away because of this article. Also, athletes shouldn't be forced to have a stance on every single issue publicly. Sure, they are athletes and have a powerful word inside of Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota, but that doesn't mean they should be FORCED to release a statement. Also, who the hell cares about a simple statement. Words only get so far. What is the difference between Kepler saying something or not? Are rioters gonna simply stop because Kepler said they should? Are leaders in the state and country finally going to rally together because an athlete said something? No.

This is just silly. The MLB does not need to mess with the ASG or any of the events taking place. I do think adding some sort of skills challenge would be cool to showoff the defensive abilities of these players, but I'm not sure there is a great way to do it.

Really, really sucks to lose a game that you use Taylor Rogers in. He is certainly unavailable tomorrow, and they would probably like to sit him out Saturday too. I don't understand using Dyson in today's game at all. They showed him walking into the dugout in either the 5th or 6th inning. I don't know the usual routine of a reliever, but I can promise you it isn't fly for three hours, do nothing, and then pitch in a game 2 hours later. You're up three runs. Throw Ryne Harper. Throw Trevor May. The front office showed faith in not upgrading from those guys, so you have to use them. Any reliever should be able to get three outs without giving up three runs, middle reliever or not. Seems like Rocco came down with "shiny new toy on Christmas" case today.

Not a flashy bullpen, but it is much better than where we were at two weeks ago. We now have Rogers Dyson Romo Duffey at the back end of our bullpen, plus Martin Perez in the postseason. Not bad. Not flashy, but not bad at all. Would have LOVED to get Robbie Ray, but I think that was a dream.

*eyes emoji* wonder what it is

if we get nobody we riot. Ridiculous.

Don’t care for this move at all. Seems like what we already have in may, Duffey, and Harper which are fine 6th and 7th inning options. Has an xFIP of over 5, which means he is probably due for some negative regression. I guess it’s a fine move if he isn’t the only arm we are adding, which I’m guessing is the case. One thing I’ve learned so far is to trust their decision making with arms!

Draft is so hard to judge until a few years down the road. However, I don't have an issue at all avoiding arms early in the draft. TINSTAAPP. Draft bats, draft bats, and then draft more bats. Trade your excess bats for proven pitching. I love this strategy

How does one become a game recap author? I am interested in doing this it help is needed.

He is a good player if we can catch 2017 Schoop again. However, I was hoping we would go for a higher OBP guy. He does have a very good glove, which will help Polanco a lot. Strikes out a lot, and walks very little. I view him as a Brian Dozier lite. Not a bad guy to take a flier on.

Good afternoon everyone, The off-season is officially here, and that means it is time for us to put ourselves into the shoes of Falvine and tell him what to do with this off-season so we can have a successful 2019, and get back to the playoffs. So, without further ado here is what I would do with the Twins off-season. Arbitration Decisions (numbers from Matt Swartz, MLB Trade Rumors) Jake Odorizzi - $9.4 million (tender) Kyle Gibson - $7.9 million (tender) Eddie Rosario - $5.0 million (tender) Robbie Grossman - $4.0 million (non-tender) Max Kepler - $3.2 million (tender) Miguel Sano - $3.1 million (tender) Ehire Adrianza - $1.8 million (tender) Taylor Rogers - $1.6 million (tender) Byron Buxton - $1.2 million (tender) Trevor May - $1.1 million (tender) I believe that all of these choices are fairly easy. Robbie Grossman is a fine player, but on no world is he worth 4 million dollars. Everyone else is worth it, but I do think ODO's number is a little high. Is he worth 9.4 million dollars? Probably not, but you have to offer it to him if you are the Twins. I am going to go into this blueprint giving the Twins 70 million dollars to spend, which would put them about at the same opening day payroll as they had last year. First, lets get to the needs of the Twins, in order of importance Backend reliever Second Basemen First Base Starting Pitcher DH Catcher Right Handed OF Next, let's get onto who I believe is a lock for the opening day roster in 2019: Catcher Jason Castro (either on the 25 man, or on the DL) IF Jorge Polanco IF Miguel Sanor OF Eddie Rosario OF Byron Buxton SP Jose Berrios SP Kyle Gibson SP Jake Odorizzi SP Michael Pineda (either 25 man, or on the DL) RP Trevor Hildenberger RP Trevor May RP Taylor Rogers RP Addison Reed Those are the locks to be on the roster. I don't think there is any chance any of the above are left off for any reason other than injury, even Sano and Buxton. Now let's get into the next bunch, of near locks Catcher Mitch Garver (If I ran the organization, he would be the everyday guy, but I am not. I think there is a chance a veteran gets the backup job over him if Castro is healthy to start the year) IF Ehire Adrianza (He was good last year, and once again I would have him on the roster. However, utility positions are always hard to predict because so many guys fit the bill) IF Tyler Austin (Austin certainly helped his chances to make the roster with his showing in Minnesota. I would think he gets the first crack at the 1st base/DH job) OF Jake Cave (I could see the team bringing in a more proven right-handed bat to balance out the OF, but I think he makes it) OF Max Kepler (I think there is a fairly good chance that we see Max traded this offseason, but if he isn't he will obviously be on the club) RP Tyler Duffey (Another position that is hard to predict. I would think Duffey gets a shot though) RP Gabriel Moya (I think as of now he is the #2 LHRP, but they could always bring someone else in) This leaves us a roster of: C: Jason Castro, Mitch Garver 1B: Tyler Austin 2B: OPEN SS: Jorge Polanco, Ehire Adrianza 3B: Miguel Sano LF: Eddie Rosario CF: Byron Buxton, Jake Cave RF: Max Kepler Total: 10 Needs: 2B, a right-handed OF, DH, and a potential catcher SP: Jose Berrios, Kyle Gibson, Jake Odorizzi, and Michael Pineda (4) RP: Trevor Hildenberger, Trevor May, Taylor Rogers, Addison Reed, Tyler Duffey, Gabriel Moya (6) Total: 10 Needs: Another starter, 2 relievers I am going to assume we see a 13 man pitching staff come opening day. Now, here are some internal candidates that fit the mold: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sites/default/files/styles/16x9_620/public/fieldimages/1/0812/1ky9wx5he1fdt5oryoqy1qxgcqolziy.jpg?itok=paSiarq- Starting Pitcher: Kohl Stewart: Stewart was impressive at the MLB level, but it was a SSS, and he didn't strike anyone out. I think the front office goes a different direction Aaron Sleegers: Another starter that doesn't strike anyone out. I have a feeling Sleegers is waived from the 40 man purge this off-season. He is a dime-a-dozen arm. Chase De Jong: He was just acquired this past season, but isn't going to blow anyone away on the mound. More of a depth piece in my mind. Not someone you want to run out there for long stretches. Zack Littell: He has bounced between the bullpen and starting rotation since being acquired from the rotation. The front office seems to like him. I would say he has a better chance than the previously listed names to head north, but still not great. Fernando Romero: Romero looked great when he first debuted, and then teams started to adjust. Has the highest ceiling of anyone on this list. I still think the FO takes someone more established Stephen Gonsalves: He destroyed AAA ball last year, but struggled at the show. Not sure what to think of him. I believe he starts in AAA working on some things. Adalberto Mejia: Just before he got injured he looked real good, but then he did end up getting injured. Him or Romero has the best chance out of this bunch. Relief Pitcher: John Curtiss: Looked real good at AAA, as a lot of these guys that will be on this list can say. Andrew Vasquez: Is a left-hander, so has a better chance than some listed. Was a surprise September callup, but I think if the Twins take three lefties north it is Rogers, Moya, and a veteran. Alan Busenitz: Looked really good at AAA as well, but didn't get a fair shot, so I wonder how much the FO likes him. Oliver Drake: I think he gets waived from the 40 man, but if he doesnt he probably finds himself in the pen. Matt Magill: A great find for the Twins, but I have no idea if he is back. I think the Twins would like to upgrade his spot in the pen, if they can. 1st base: Joe Mauer: If, and that is a big IF, Mauer wants to come back the job is his. However, I do believe that he is going to call it quits and retire. Brent Rooker: Rooker started off slow, but really came on strong in AA. Some think he could be up this year, and I do agree, but I don't think it will be on opening day. 2nd base: Nick Gordon: Gordon is a top prospect, although he really struggled at AAA. I expect the Twins to bring someone in on a one year deal for a stop gap. Let Gordon prove himself at AAA. Eventually there will be an injury in the infield to get him up if he does perform. Outfield: Lamonte Wade: He comes from the Robbie Grossman mold. However, he is left handed, so I believe that hurts his chances. Johnny Field: I believe Field will be waived this off-season. Now, let's get onto the moves I would make if I were the Twins Milldaddy35's Moves http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2017/0813/r243788_600x400_3-2.jpg -Swap Eddie Rosario and Max Kepler This moves only makes sense from the way I view it. Maybe there are numbers that disagree with me, but from the eye test, I would think Eddie Rosario belongs in right field. He has a cannon for an arm. -DON'T sign a 1st basemen, even if it is Mauer I know, I know, Mauer is beloved. However, there is no need to carry two first basemen types on the roster. We have Tyler Austin, we don't need another. Here are some other names that can play first for when Austin DH's: Max Kepler, Mitch Garver, Ehire Adrianza, Miguel Sano, Brent Rooker. There is no need to bring in another player that can only play first base. -Sign D.J LeMahieu to a 2 year, 27 million dollar deal This may be a bit pricey for D.J., but in my opinion, he is the best 2nd basemen option out there. He does get help from playing at Coors Field. However, he does play with an above average glove, and only struck out 14% of the time last year. -Sign Marwin Gonzalez to a 3 year, 33 million dollar deal Marwin Gonzalez is the ultimate utility man. Here, you hit 4 birds with one stone as Marwin appeared at 4 different positions last year. You can plug him in as a backup infielder, and outfielder, making both Ehire Adrianza and Max Kepler expandable if you see that as a possibility. He is also a switch hitter, so he isn't limited to a platoon role. -Trade Max Kepler + prospects for Raiseil Iglesias Iglesias fits the role as the shutdown reliever that I was talking about earlier. I think the price here would look something like Max Kepler and Nick Gordon, Wander Javier, or Stephen Gonsalves. This is something I would be willing to do, being under team control for the next 2 years. -Sign Nelson Cruz to a 1 year, 16 Million dollar deal Cruz immediately fills in as an impact right-handed designated hitter who can also go into the group of potential first basemen. He is a veteran leader who knows how to hit the cover off the baseball. He could also play corner outfield when needed. This gives you an outfield of Cave, Buxton, Rosario, Gonzalez, Cruz -Sign Jerry Blevins to a 1 year, 6 million dollar deal Blevins is a great LOOGY, and with a new manager in place I am confident that we will actually see the LOOGY be used correctly. Yes, we already have Rogers, but having two lefties doesn't hurt, especially when you go with an 8 man pen. That is what I would do with my offseason. That gives you a potential roster of (Players listed in parenthesis are who I see as the next man up if an injury happens. C: Jason Castro, Mitch Garver (Willians Astudillo) 1B: Tyler Austin (Brent Rooker) 2B: D.J Lemahieu (Nick Gordon) SS: Jorge Polanco, Ehire Adrianza (some random waiver claim or MiLB signing) 3B: Miguel Sano (Ehire Adrianza) LF: Jake Cave, Marwin Gonzalez (Lamonte Wade) CF: Byron Buxton (Jake Cave) RF: Eddie Rosario (Lamonte Wade) DH: Nelson Cruz Obviously, the lineup still depends on the growth of Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano, but the addition of Nelson Cruz should help with consistency. Lemahieu is a gamble in a bunch of unproven 2nd basemen, but he does provide positive defense. Gonzalez provides flexibility and a switch-hitting presents that can hit both sides of the plate. SP: Jose Berrios SP: Kyle Gibson SP: Jake Odorizzi SP: Michael Pineda SP: Fernando Romero I would head up north with Romero, although I think that the front office will opt to sign a veteran with more of a track record to a small one year deal and give them the first shot on the 25 man roster. RP Trevor Hildenberger RP Trevor May RP Taylor Rogers (L) RP Addison Reed RP Rasiel Iglesias RP Jerry Blevins (L) RP Tyler Duffey RP Gabriel Moya (L) If the front office decided to only send two lefties up to Minnesota for opening day I think Buesnitz would get the spot of Moya, but other than that all other pieces would be set in stone. I think this would be a better bullpen than last year. If Reed could return to prior form they could be real good. So, there you have it. This is what I would do if I was in charge of the Twins front office.

I like this move because I did not want to see Dozier playing on a QO, and I was afraid that was going to happen. He had a good run here in Minnesota and I wish him the best of luck. Forsythe should, and will I assume, finish out the year as the second basemen. However, I wonder what we do with the position this off-season. Raley seems to have good work ethic which is good, but doesn't seem to be above average in the outfield, and doesn't hit for enough power at 1st. Maybe Twins can add something. The pitcher is said to be funky, and will probably be a LOOGY. Interesting deal. Thank you Brian.

Wow, thought for sure he would be up here. I see he is out of option years after this season. Have to think he gets up here before September to see what he has.

About what I thought we'd get for the Dukie. I liked him more than most on here. Hope he does well in Seattle. Seemed like a good guy. De Jong doesn't seem like much of anything other than Aaron Slegers, but the slugger is a fine guy to take on for a LOOGY.

I like the move, especially the way Lynn started out the year. I like taking a flier on Austin, and the move would be worth it alone on Rijo. He looks intriguing for a young arm. Nice work by the front office.

Glad to see Cave is being given a shot. He should be starting every game vs a RHP while Buxton is out. Every. Single. One. Escobar has been amazing, count me on board the "extend him" train. Sano has been disappointing, but so hasn't Kepler. We need him to pick up some slack. Nice to see a clean inning from Reed. Need 2 of 3 from Detroit.

From perfect game: Erick Rivera is a 2018 OF with a 6-0 180 lb. frame from Salinas, PR who attends Carlos Colon Burgos. Broad shouldered athletic build, plenty of room to get stronger. 6.81 runner, has outstanding outfield actions with elite level raw arm strength, big league carry on his throws and very accurate, charges hard and remains under control with solid footwork. Left handed hitter, has a short and direct inside swing path, hits out front with all all fields contact approach, has the strength to get the ball to jump off the barrel, level to downward swing plane, has power in his build that should develop in the future. Outfield tools and skills really stand out and has a chance with the bat. Signed with Broward CC.

Catcher looks interesting. 21 walks in 223 AB's. Only 4 homers. Wonder how his defense is. Safe to say he is a free swinger.

TWINS WIN!

Tyler Kinley...no...Phil Hughes time... nevermind.

Kepler better at being 3rd base coach than 3rd base coach is at being 3rd base coach