Jump to content
Twins Daily
  • Create Account

RJA

Verified Member
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    737

  • Joined

  • Days Won

    1

 Content Type 

Profiles

News

Minnesota Twins Videos

2026 Minnesota Twins Top Prospects Ranking

2022 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks

Minnesota Twins Free Agent & Trade Rumors, Notes, & Tidbits

Guides & Resources

2023 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks

The Minnesota Twins Players Project

2024 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks

2025 Minnesota Twins Draft Pick Tracker

Forums

Blogs

Events

Store

Downloads

Gallery

Everything posted by RJA

  1. RJA
    Great summary. Thank you. I am really looking forward to Raya's first start tonight. It will be fun to see how he does.
  2. RJA
    I agree with the list. I would add Mark Contreras as a guy who has a great start after a nice year last year. He has 2 homeruns, 7 RBI, 3 stolen basis and is hitting .353 with an 1.274 OPS. He is a better prospect than many people realize.
  3. RJA
    Two games does not a season make, BUT I think it is interesting to note that Duffey has more blown saves than saves in his career. Why Rocco went to him in that situation is a legitimate question.
  4. RJA
    Great "change of pace" story, Ted. I will watch the film. I confess to having a negative impression of him based solely on some press accounts. Shame on me. I will be interested to see what I think after watching the film. Interesting piece. Thanks.
  5. RJA
    I think anyone who has played baseball or any other sport knows what it is like to be in the zone. But, my goodness is Encarnacion-Strand in the zone right now. I wish we could bottle it as "in the zone" and give it to our major league roster, kind of like liquid luck from Harry Potter.
  6. RJA
    Right now the bullpen lacks a closer, or more specifically, a pitcher who has a closer's personality--confident/cocky, chomping at the bit to get into the game, bulldog personality, mound presence, and the ability to find a way to close out the game (and preferably some experience in the late innings). Everyday Eddie is an example of someone who didn't have lights out stuff, but who battled with every ounce of energy he had and refused to be beaten. I am not sure Taylor Rogers has that personality, but I am pretty confident that Duffey does not. That is not based on today's game--every pitcher has days when he doesn't get the job done (except maybe Mariano Rivera). I think he has shown a lack of confidence for the past 2 years. I think he is more at ease in the 6th inning role. On the other hand, Duran and Acala seem to have these characteristics, but they lack experience. I guess I would give the young guys who have some swagger to them an opportunity to grab the role. But, we also have to recognize that the offense has been horrible the past two days. You aren't going to win a bundle of games scoring 4 runs in 2 games.
  7. RJA
    Minor league umpiring is nothing if not inconsistent! But, at least in that case there was some justification given the weather. I don't know how you feel, but I actually like an umpire who has a bit of a large zone as it moves the game along as batters adjust and are more aggressive. This assumes that they are consistent for both sides and throughout the game of course.
  8. RJA
    The Minor League Report is one of my favorite features on TD site. I enjoy the summaries and insights even for games I watch or attend. 17 walks in the Wichita game. The plate umpire must of had a strike zone the size of a pea. Actually when you attend a lot of minor league games, it becomes easy to spot the umpires that are on the way up. They just stand out compared to their compatriots. Great job, Seth--as usual.
  9. RJA
    BTW, Andrew, what was the best combined WAR year for Mauer and Morneau?
  10. RJA
    They absolutely could be on this list. Let's just hope they are both healthy and have good years, and the Twins do well. Your mention of Versalles brings back great memories for old time Twins fans. His 1965 year was incredible. While he was not in Buck's class as a speedster, I remember being in the stands for one of his triples and he seemed to fly around the bases. That 1965 team was really impressive. They surprised people that year. Let's hope this year's Twins do the same.
  11. RJA
    Let's "Play Ball!". I greatly enjoy my time with TD every day. For anyone with a passion for baseball, it is unsurpassed in the diversity of opinion it offers about the Twins and MLB. Thank you to all of you who work so hard to bring news and analysis to us in a timely manner. I also appreciate the human interest stories that are so prevalent on the site. It makes cheering for players much more enjoyable when you know about their background, struggles and successes. I hope the next 10 years are every bit as enjoyable as the last 10. And it would be remiss of me not to extend kudos to all the fans who comment on the site. I enjoy reading their opinions, whether I agree with them or not ;).
  12. RJA
    Unlike many, I don't mind this deal. Rooker has not shown anything at the major league level, and certainly was not a highly sought after prospect. They were going to DFA him anyway, so he is a throw in. Taylor is a huge loss but for one year as it is doubtful they would have resigned him at the price he will rightfully command. Paddack is not washed up--his peripherals are not bad, and he is still young and has 3 years of control. Other teams were also chasing him so more than the Twins saw something in him. Plus, the Twins have his former manager on staff now who should have some insight. He will be find as a 5th starter, or maybe a 4th if they can tweak a few things. It may be the Twins have noticed something in his pitch mix, or think they can coax a little more out of his heater. Pagan is a good bullpen piece. Plus, there might be more coming, at least at the deadline if not before.
  13. RJA
    Great comments from everyone. Like at every level, there are plenty of prospects to be excited about watching at Fort Myers--Raya, Cavaco, Miller, Hajjar and Rodriquez all of whom could move quickly. I am with Dman on Cavaco. I really considered him to be a bit of a bust, but my goodness he looks good at third. I hope they find a way to get him straightened out at the plate as he has so much potential. I wasn't real excited about the Miller pick, but he passed the eyeball test at short and I have noticed a number of pretty good talent evaluators think he can stay at short. We'll know a lot more later in the summer. Raya and Rodriquez could be at the top of our prospect list in a year or two. I love minor league baseball, and thank you TD for keeping us informed.
  14. RJA
    I agree flexibility and depth are important for a rotation. I believe something like 449 different pitchers started games in the majors last year. It is a much different game than it was even 30 years ago. Every team seems to sign a number of starting pitchers and relievers to minor league contracts just in case they are needed and in the hope that they find a gem. I think we will see a number of the young guys at Target Field this summer. It should be fun.
  15. RJA
    Prediction time. I am over on Buxton's taters (as Reggie liked to call them). I think he is a 40 homer guy IF healthy. I am under on Correa's BA, though given his history at Target Field, I may be and hope I am wrong. I am over on Correa's taters especially given his love of Target Field. I am over on Sanchez's taters, but I think it all depends on his start. If he is struggling into May, he may see less time in the DH role. I am assuming he will play regularly so I think he will surpass it even if his BA is very low. I feel the same about Sano. I think the fact it is his last year and he seems to be more committed to working on his weight and on his game means he will hit 35 plus. I am over on Gray--I think he will get enough run support that just having an average season for him will put him over. Finally, I am over on the Twins. Call me an optimistist but I think if they are in the playoff hunt even as a wildcard in early July, they will add pitching if necessary. I just wish they had done it in the offseason. I don't think they will waste one year (?) of Correa if they are close.
  16. RJA
    I love Target Field for all the reasons you list. It is one of the best fields in MLB. The Dome--not so much, but who can forget the World Series wins. I even have fond memories of the old Met Stadium that looked like it was built with an adult erector set, and you could see cows and corn fields from your seats, not to mention Killebrew, Oliva, Kaat, Versalles, Tovar, etc.
  17. RJA
    Great player summaries, Seth. This blended roster looks very much like most AAA rosters with young prospects combined with some veterans and guys signed on minor league contracts. Yes, there are some older starting pitchers, but it is also likely that Canterino will join the team during the season if everything goes as planned in AA. I am really interested to see how Jordan Gore does as I think he could be a sleeper. I am curious to see how Mason progresses as well. This team should be fun to watch as they have the potential to really knock the ball around the ballpark. I love the start of spring baseball. We should have some interesting minor league teams, and let's hope the Twins surprise some folks as well. Play ball.
  18. RJA
    I am optimistic about the farm system for next year. First of all, the Twins select 8th in the draft, so that player will likely rank in the top 5 for next year, and their second pick would also be a top 10-15 player as well. In addition, at the lower levels there are a lot of players with great potential--like Povich, Cavaco, Urbina, and especially Raya and Rodriguez who could have breakout years. Throw in Enlow who is back for TJ and I think they system will be fine, regardless of where the experts place it.
  19. RJA
    Boy, this will be another fun trip. Martin, Wallner, Julien, Steer, and Keirsey should provide some fireworks. I am thinking Martin's stay might be short if he does well. The pitching side is loaded with Canterino, SWR, Vallimont and Varland. Having reviewed both this roster and the CR roster, the Twins have incredible depth in their minor league system. Every team has a number of grear prospects.
  20. RJA
    It is great to see Dinkelman managing. I love it when guys who paid their dues are given a chance to move into coaching and manager positions. Cedar Rapids should be a fun trip this year. I am looking forward to seeing if Javier can start reaching his potential, and if Sabato and Encarnacion-Strand can harness their power. Povich and Mooney will be pitchers to watch along with Legumina. Morales intrigues me, too.
  21. RJA
    Another great update, Jamie. Like most fans on this site, I guess I prefer the Twins stay away from bat first corner guys and opt for a more complete player who excels at bat and in the field. I think both Parada and Susac look good, as does Lee who has a great eye at the plate and decent power. I have seen Lee predicted to go as high as third. What do you know about Adam Mazur, a Minnesota kid. I have heard that a number of scouts think he might be able to hit a 100 on the gun once he goes pro. He might be an interesting pick later in the draft--BA has him at 56 I think.
  22. RJA
    As the A's just traded Manaea to the Padres, is it possible that Montas is also going out this week? Manaea return was not that great. If that is the case, it could shake up the roster if the Twins make a move.
  23. RJA
    Moran's changeup is devastating. It is similar to Santana's in that hitters couldn't hit it even when they sat on it and were ready for it. It will be fun to see how he develops as he gets more comfortable in the majors.
  24. RJA
    Great detailed article, Seth. It is actually a joy watching Jeffers frame pitches. Part of me hopes there are not robot umpires as pitch framing is an art, and a fun and nuanced part of the game.
  25. RJA
    Thanks for the response. I agree with your analyis, but I never compared Trout to Mays or Buxton to Mays or Trout as accomplished players. I am not debating that. My only point, and I stand by it, is that I have seen enough of Buxton in the field to say he has better skills than Trout in CF, and at least as good if not better skills than Mays in CF. Do you think Buxton's skills are equal to Mays based on seeing them both play? I happen to think so.
×
×
  • Create New...