Mill1634

Byron Buxton catches that

I'm sure this is just recency bias, but this year it feels like umps are completely flipping a coin on the outside corner

Good start for Matt

I understand the camo hats are league wide, but man are they ugly with our colors

Agreed. It’s hard to know what they’ll do with the guys with > this year yet. I think the twins FO is pretty bullish on Jeffers, and I don’t blame them. Trading garver for a good return and getting Jeffers everyday at bats would be a net positive, imo. I do think if the twins got any sort of “good” offer on sano they would accept it and not think twice. Maybe an NL team that wants him as a bench bat and a potential DH for next season will come calling. I don’t think we see a Kepler, Polo, Buxton, or Berrios move until the offseason, if at all.

I disagree on Simmons not being overly valuable. He’s not going to get a top 5 prospect from a good system, but he’s going to get a top 10 prospect or two. He doesn’t hit a ton, but like I said he doesn’t have to to have a winning impact on a team. That’s more valuable than most fans realize, I think. After what you and Brock have said on Cruz, I think it may be likely to see him traded, but I seriously doubt it’s to an NL team. There aren’t many NL teams rostering a man who’s hasn’t played in the field in years. I just don’t see it. I could see it to an AL team like I said, but I still lean no.

The Pitchers: RHP Matt Shoemaker (2-3, 6.43 ERA, 19 K's, 28 IP) vs RHP Frankie Montas (4-2, 5.50 ERA, 35 K's, 36 IP) Shoemaker was good his last time out against the Tigers, which is the most recent game that the Twins won. However, his last start at home saw him get roughed up by the Royals, allowing 9 runs in just 3.1 innings pitched. Shoemaker has been the Twins worst starter, but the veteran right hander should be able to improve to his career norms. Montas, a hard throwing righty, beat the Rays last time out. Frankie was suspended for 80 games in 2019 for PEDs. He relies on a sinker 4 seam combination, which sit in the upper 90s. He works a slider off those two pitches to right handers, and a split finger to lefties which has a whiff rate of 45.7%. The Lineups Twins LF Luis Arraez (L) 3B Josh Donaldson 2B Jorge Polanco (S) DH Nelson Cruz RF Trevor Larnach (L) 1B Willians Astudillo CF Max Kepler (L) SS Andrelton Simmons C Ben Rortvedt (L) A's CF Ramon Laureano DH Mitch Moreland (L) 2B Jed Lowrie (S) 1B Matt Olson (L) 3B Matt Chapman RF Stephen Piscotty LF Seth Brown (L) C Sean Murphy SS Elvis Andrus This Day in History - 2005: In upstate New York, 11-year-old Katie Brownell, the only girl enrolled in the local Little League, throws a perfect game in front of an astonished crowd of about 100 parents and friends. The shy sixth-grader strikes out every batter she faces, allowing only three foul balls in the six-inning contest at Oakfield Town Park. Pick to Click: Nelson Cruz hits a bomba Prediction: Twins 6, A's 5 Go Twins!!!

I have released the final part of ranking the Twins roster by trade value.

Today I wrap up the final piece in my mini-blog series where I ranked the Minnesota Twins roster by trade value, as this season has gone downhill quickly. Things haven't gotten any better, as they've just been swept by the division leading White Sox, and now find themselves down 10 games of ChiSox just 35 games into the 2021 campaign. If things continue to travel down this road, which it seems like they will, the Twins may have the most talent of any seller come July. In part 1, I took a look at players who have regressed or have massive contracts. Part 2 featured some names that carried the Twins in 2019, as well as a few players who will see their contract expire after this season. Today, we take a look at the final 6 players in the ranking. 6. RH DH Nelson Cruz If I was simply ranking the talent on the Minnesota Twins, there is no doubt that Nelson Cruz would be in the top 3, but that isn't what these rankings are. Nelson Cruz is without a doubt one of the top hitters in the MLB, despite being nearly 40 years old. However, he plays at a non-premium position, and there aren't many teams that are in need of a DH. Going through the list of the contenders, you have the Houston Astros who have Yordan Alverez. Cross them off. The White Sox have rookie of the year contender Yermin Mercedes. I don't see it. The New York Yankees have Stanton, the Red Sox have JD Martinez, and the Blue Jays have Rowdy Tellez and a handful of outfielders who can fill in at DH when George Springer is healthy. That leaves me with two teams: Oakland and Tampa Bay. Neither of these teams are known to be big spenders, and I'm not real confident that they'd have DH as their top need come July. I think the most likely scenario sees Nelson Cruz staying put in Minnesota, and reevaluating his options in the off-season, when the NL is likely to add the DH Prediction: Not Moved 5. LH RP Taylor Rogers Taylor Rogers has been one of the best relievers over the past 4 seasons, despite his struggles in 2020, the advanced metrics still love Taylor Rogers. I agree with these numbers. Like any reliever, Rogers is violate and certainly prone to going through a rough stretch, but there aren't many who are prone to this. If the Twins decided to move Rogers, I think he would be the best reliever moved mid-season. Rogers is due for his 4th and final year of arbitration in 2022, and then becomes a free agent in 2023. If the Twins decide that they are simply retooling, I think Rogers sticks around. However, if they decide to commit to a rebuild, I think Rogers is certainly moved. However, I'm hesitant to saying the front office will, or should, commit to a rebuild. This is especially true on May 14th. With an already bad bullpen, trading Rogers would make 2022s bullpen abysmal. Prediction: Not Moved 4. RH SS Andrelton Simmons Andrelton Simmons was brought in on a one year contract to improve the Minnesota Twins infield defense, and he has certainly succeed at that. Simmons has been credited with saving 2 runs in 200 innings at SS, which puts him on pace to finish the year with between 10-12. We know Simmons isn't a great hitter, but he doesn't need to be to have a positive impact on a game. Much like Byron Buxton of the past, who won games despite struggling mightily at the plate, Simmons is the best of the best at his position, and teams know that. Simmons contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and that makes him attractive to a potential buyer. The Twins could negotiate an extension, but I'm not sure I see that, especially with a loaded free agent class at the position. I'm almost certain that Simba will be moved before the July 30th trade deadline. Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers Potential Prospects: RH OF Tristen Lutz (3, AA), LHP Aaron Ashby (5, AAA), RH SS Eduardo Garcia (8, R) 3. RH SP Kenta Maeda Kenta Maeda was one of the best starting pitchers in all of the MVP in the 60 game season, and looked like an absolute steal after being brought over for Brusadar Graterol in the 3-team trade which sent Mookie Betts to LA. However, Maeda has been roughed up in his first few starts in 2021, and doesn't look like the same pitcher we saw last season. The most notable difference between his great year last year, and the struggles this year is his control and command. We saw Maeda dissect lineups by throwing pitches exactly where the catcher was set up, and rarely leaving a hittable pitch over the plate. That has all turned on its head this year, and Kenta looks like the same version LA saw. Everyone knew regression was likely, but I don't think Kenta is this bad. Kenta is a top 3 arm on a playoff rotation, with potential to be higher. Kenta is signed for the next 2 years, but at only 3M per. This is a steal of a deal, and I see no reason for the Twins to sell low on King Kenta. Prediction: Not Moved 2. RH SP Jose Berrios Jose Berrios has been near the top of the Twins rotation for the past 3 years, and has been a top 50 starter every season. He hasn't taken the step from being TOR to an ace that many Twins fans hoped he would, but he's still very, very valuable. Berrios is set for his final year in arbitration following this season, which will likely see him making between 8-10 million. Again, this is a steal for the quality of pitcher Berrios is. We know the Twins have made an offer to extend Berrios contract in the past, but clearly that hasn't come to fruition. I suspect a Berrios extension to be somewhere in the ballpark of 100-110 million dollars over 4 years, which I would offer if I was the Twins. If an extension can't be worked out this offseason, and the Twins are in this same boat next year, it's likely Berrios would be moved at the deadline. However, I see no reason to sell on him now. Prediction: Not Moved 1. RH CF Byron Buxton The list rounds out with one of the most exciting players in baseball with Byron Buxton. We saw Byron take the MVP-level step forward through a month this season, but like years past, Buxton found himself on the injured list. I don't think you can fault Byron for being an often injured player, nor can you blame the Twins. It's simply part of the game. Some are prone, and some aren't. In a similar boat to Berrios, we know a contract extension has been offered to Buxton, but he felt it was too low. Sitting on top of baseball references leaderboard for WAR 35 games into the season, despite only playing in 24 games, certainly isn't going to make him any cheaper. I hesistate to speculate on what an extension for Buxton would look like, as he's likely a player who won't age well as he relies on both speed, and bat speed to be effective. He doesn't draw walks (nor should he, crushing pitches he can hit is better than trying to draw a walk), and he gets hurt a lot. I think the Twins would want an extension with multiple team options thrown in, and I'm not sure Buck would want that. However, it's a season too early to consider trading Byron. Prediction: Not Moved Recap Below I have listed the players that I expect to be traded, as well as who the logical replacement is the rest of the way in what appears to be a "figure out what we have for the future" type of year, rather than a contend for the World Series year. All in all, I expect 7 trades to be made, at least based on these rankings. However, I would be fairly shocked if the Twins traded 7 MLB players off their roster. If I was setting the over/under on such a thing, I would set it at 4.5. Andrelton Simmons - Brewers (Nick Gordon) Michael Pineda - Yankees (Randy Dobnak) Tyler Duffey - Phillies (Edwar Colina) Mitch Garver - Braves (Ryan Jeffers) J.A. Happ - Brewers (Lewis Thorpe) Hansel Robles - A's (Dakota Chalmers) Alex Colome - Giants (Yennier Cano) Note: All prospect rankings come from Fangraphs.

I’m about as low as Jake cave as anyone is, but I don’t get the Keon Broxton love from so many fans. He’s a far worse hitter than Cave is, and he’s clearly not a long term answer in the outfield. I’d much rather see whitefield, Celestino (he’s hurt and not ready, no need to rush him anyhow), or just sticking with cave. This seems to be a lost year, and bringing up a 30 year old with a below <.700 career OPS is not beneficial at all. also, Miguel sano is not able to be demoted. He’s out of options, and he’s over 5 years of service time, so even if he has options, he could refuse an assignment to the minors.

I agree that the white sox will get better in the next 2-3 years, but that doesn’t mean that the twins should just fold and call it a day. There is enough individual talent on this team, and prospects either already up, or on the brink that I think that they can retool and make something of a mix of current players, prospects they’ve developed, and players they target in trades or free agency. With the new CBA coming up, it is very likely that we some form of expanded playoffs that we saw last year, in which I would give the twins a very good chance at making in 2022. I do agree that they front office needs to change their mold of players they target and go for more electric arms like alcala in the bullpen, and diversify the lineup with a mixture of power and OBP guys. The good news it that AK is a great average hitter, and Larnach isn’t a boom or bust hitter like sano or garver. Lewis should be a 5 tool player as well. Add in Arraez and Polanco, and you have a more well rounded lineup than the bomba squad. I do think that an extension on berrios should be given, assuming it’s around 100-110 over 4 years. I’d sign that and not blink. Buxton I hesitate to give huge money to because of the injuries, and think they should consider a trade for young MLB ready talent. it will be interesting to see what type of player the twins draft in a few months, as we’ve seen them target power college hitters. I’d like to see them take a bit more of a toolsy player, but it’s clear they have their type.

Not entirely sure what you’re getting at, but I’m mainly speaking before the team breaks north outta ST. of course he isn’t saying, hey go sign alex colome, let Matt wisler go, etc. but he certainly does have a say on final roster construction and things like “hey, we might want to go sign another Tyler clippard part as I don’t think Stashak is the answer.” Things along those lines he has a say on. Not the final say, but a say nonetheless.

Tbf, the 2nd walk was a really bad call and most definitely a strike, and had a chance to be a strike em out throw em out, and instead resulted in none. Leaving in Pineda was the right call there, result or not. I had zero issue with how Rocco managed this game (which is a rarity for me in this young season). However, if you think Rocco is just “getting who he gets” you’re fooling yourself. Rocco doesn’t have the final say on players on the roster, but he certainly does get a say on it somewhat.

Time for some heat from writers/bloggers/beat reporters on the front office, Rocco, Wes Johnson, and the hitting coach. A team simply cannot regress this hard 35 games into the season with no heat on them. I don't think Rocco should be fired, nor should anyone in the front office, but I do think a change, especially on the hitting side of things, would be welcome. The Mets fired their beloved hitting coach after not getting the results they wanted. The Twins coaches should not be immune to this. I've said it the past few days, maybe even weeks, but this team simply isn't very good. Almost every single player outside of Buxton, Cruz, Donaldson, and Polanco as of late has regressed. Time for someone inside the organization to take some blame and accountability for things, and it starts with Rocco saying something other than "Yeah, these guys are really battling but aren't getting the results we want. It'll come around eventually." Show some fight. Please.

I'd be fairly shocked if either Berrios or Buxton are moved, unless the FO is fully committing to a full blown rebuild, which I seriously doubt with Larnach/AK/Lewis this close, or already in the major leagues, and Duran and Jordan not far behind.

Time for some heat from writers/bloggers/beat reporters on the front office, Rocco, Wes Johnson, and the hitting coach. A team simply cannot regress this hard 35 games into the season with no heat on them. I don't think Rocco should be fired, nor should anyone in the front office, but I do think a change, especially on the hitting side of things, would be welcome. The Mets fired their beloved hitting coach after not getting the results they wanted. The Twins coaches should not be immune to this. I've said it the past few days, maybe even weeks, but this team simply isn't very good. Almost every single player outside of Buxton, Cruz, Donaldson, and Polanco as of late has regressed. Time for someone inside the organization to take some blame and accountability for things, and it starts with Rocco saying something other than "Yeah, these guys are really battling but aren't getting the results we want. It'll come around eventually." Show some fight. Please.

This bullpen is broken

Sigh...our 90M dollar man has been poor today

MAX MASHED

Good to see Alcala throw well

This team may never do another positive thing in high leverage

Come on blue...

If Rocco pulls big mike in the 6th I might explode

Sigh. Mitch had a great at bat and then watched a 4 seamer down the pipe

Sigh. White Sox were trying to hand us the lead and we said no thanks