Milwaukee-Jeff

The AL Central is a weak division, challenged only by the even less impressive AL West. If the Twins can't be competitive in the AL Central, they are, by definition, mediocre (or worse). Personally, I think Shelton has done a decent job and deserves to return. Three years is enough time to see how he handles a MLB roster. Pitching is the key to winning. This year's injuries to pitchers killed any chance the team had to challenge for any post-season success. Last year's house cleaning, particularly by getting rid of Varland, Duran and Jax, decimated the bullpen and it has been as bad as expected. The position players? This team has no real stars. Buxton has been the most talented player but can't be relied upon to play regularly. His age is increasingly a factor too. Most of the other veterans than have had multiple opportunities over the past few years to step up. Some need to be traded/released. The younger players currently on the roster (Keaschall, Lee, Jenkins, Ross, Culpepper, Bradley, Abel, etc.) should be the core next year. I think the fans wouuld rather see a bunch of hungry younger players than second-rate veterans. Pohlad needs to provide Zoll with enough resources to field a better team in '27. This might/should include trading for a legit top-of-the-order SP.

This year is a weird one, especially for the AL Central. The White Sox have improved (when you're on the bottom, no place to go but up) and everyone else is mediocre, including the Twins. Still, the Twins have outperformed what most people expected. The trade deadline selloff last year was demoralizing for fans so most expectations coming into '26 were justifiably low. Will Tait and Abel (from the Phillies for Duran) become regulars, even stars? Same with Rojas and Roden (from the Jays for Varland and France). Would the 2026 Twins be better if Duran and Varland will still around? We'll never know. I would keep Ryan until at least the offseason. IF the Twins manage to sneak into the playoffs, it would be a morale boost for the players and the fans. I assume that some of the prospects now in AAA will get a call up this season. That might be further cause for optimism. Fans want to see the likes of Jenkins, Culpepper, Rodriguez, Gonzalez and possibly Houston. Baseball is a business. If Tom Pohlad wants to make money, he needs to invest in some FA talent to make/keep the team competetive. The only was to put people back in the seats if for the management to show commitment to winning,

I looked at the Saints roster and stats for alternatives to Wallner. What about Fedko in the OF? And Rodriguez should be cleared to play again soon so he should be given a shot.

It's going to be a season where .500 will be considered "exceeding expectations." I'd like to see some player movement - and soon. Bringing in arms like Topa and Garcia can't inspire confidence in anyone. Woods Richardson needs to go to the bullpen. It's hindsight, of course, but what they did at the trade deadline last year was a disaster. They could at least have kept Varland.

In close games, little things matter. The baserunning goofs in game 3 vs Baltimore were inexcusable. It made the successful ABS challenges by the Orioles even more damaging. If this team is going to compete at the .500 level, they need to be sharper on defense and running the bases. Three games in, it's difficult to say how low the bar is for the season but if Buxton and Lewis can stay healthy and perform at high levels. that will be a big plus. Personally, I hope the potential future stars now in AA and AAA get a shot, soon. The Twins need a major jolt or the fans will stay away.

It would be fun to see ERod out there as the #1 backup. I think the fans would like that. Martin has no pop - not a great choice for a corner OF. It seems Larnach is the starter by default unless Shelton has other ideas, Roden and Outman - meh.