Rosterman

I would rather see de Leon rather than Sanchez, if going to call-in a minor league free agent sitting in St. Paul. For his contract signed, Randy Dobnak will still be a consideration. I'm hoping Headrick can also see action this year, if nothing else as a long man out of the pen towards the end of the season.

If Kirilloff is down (and can't at least DH), then Willi Castro gets the call. He would possibly play second. SHowing some base running skills that the Twins might lack. With Gallo at first, Larnach (and Taylor) will both egt outfield time. Maybe Gordon, too. 
But Kirilloff has to prove he is at least a bat option to break camp. That I have yet to see or hear about.

If Kirilloff is down (and can't at least DH), then Willi Castro gets the call. He would possibly play second. SHowing some base running skills that the Twins might lack. With Gallo at first, Larnach (and Taylor) will both egt outfield time. Maybe Gordon, too. 
But Kirilloff has to prove he is at least a bat option to break camp. That I have yet to see or hear about.

If Kirilloff is down (and can't at least DH), then Willi Castro gets the call. He would possibly play second. SHowing some base running skills that the Twins might lack. With Gallo at first, Larnach (and Taylor) will both egt outfield time. Maybe Gordon, too. 
But Kirilloff has to prove he is at least a bat option to break camp. That I have yet to see or hear about.

If Kirilloff is down (and can't at least DH), then Willi Castro gets the call. He would possibly play second. SHowing some base running skills that the Twins might lack. With Gallo at first, Larnach (and Taylor) will both egt outfield time. Maybe Gordon, too. 
But Kirilloff has to prove he is at least a bat option to break camp. That I have yet to see or hear about.

If Kirilloff is down (and can't at least DH), then Willi Castro gets the call. He would possibly play second. SHowing some base running skills that the Twins might lack. With Gallo at first, Larnach (and Taylor) will both egt outfield time. Maybe Gordon, too. 
But Kirilloff has to prove he is at least a bat option to break camp. That I have yet to see or hear about.

If Kirilloff is down (and can't at least DH), then Willi Castro gets the call. He would possibly play second. SHowing some base running skills that the Twins might lack. With Gallo at first, Larnach (and Taylor) will both egt outfield time. Maybe Gordon, too. 
But Kirilloff has to prove he is at least a bat option to break camp. That I have yet to see or hear about.

The name of the game is still advertising for whomever does the broadcasts. Cable services are dying fast, yet people can/will only spend so much on streamning services with so many to choose from. 
I don't think the answer is MLB controlling broadcast baseball. But is antenna TV still anywhere in the mix? Can cable offer some results? Is streaming via APple or youtube or whatever the real deal necessary? How much do WE pay to watch a game, and how much can advertising generate additional income, with money going back to the teams, MLB, and shareholders?

I still don't know how the six-man will work, if the guys can't get past the sixth inning. Too much strain on the bullpen. And the Twins don't really have any off days (only two) in April, and heaven forbid if a double-header or two happens early in the game (although you do get that extra arm).
I kinda liked where a team could start the season with 28 players. Gives a little more wiggle room with the rotation, allows some things to shake out in the minors regarding injury. Something the union should push. Gives more service time and major league salary for a month to a couple of guys. Like, also, bring back unlimited 40-man callups for September. Let these guys sit in the pen or on the bench and experience major league play while getting bonus play (and service time). because they did good.

There are alot of pitchers heded to the mound in St. Paul. But, why is Sanchez starting for the Twins. Explain that? If they want him for long relief, use him in long relief.
Was surprised when they gave Santana a 40-man spot. They could've waited until the last moment and maybe got him thru waivers. They also gave Hoffman the major/minor split with opt outs. Picture him posibly walking, as the Twins have 40+ pitchers between AAA/AA right now.
Coulombe is making a press for that bullpen spot. Pagan, how long will his leash be? Moran...how much ahs he pitched in the back fields is my question.
 

Depending on where the Twins are come mid-season, if any of the 7 names mentioned is showing full production to start the season, and if Twins prospects start to line-up well, they could have some dynamite tradebait, too. 
Gray would be much sought after. Yes, he would be the best bet for a qualifying offer (or an extension) if he pitches well, but the Twins MIGHT like to move on and save money for 2024 (or invest in another free agent) if Varland, Woods Richardson, Ober, Winder show any signs of being ready THIS year. Not to mention Headrick.
Mahle will be an interesting watch. I'm not BIG on an extension, so a trade might be the best deal, if he isn't woth a QO. Can the Twins get the equvalent of a Steer/Encarcion-Strand back for him?
Madea, I just worry about lasting the season. I would consider starting him in the pen, of piggybacking him with a long-relief/starter like Ober to start the season. But have to see how the bullpen and rotation end up overall.
Pagan, gad...I hope he shines and the Twins can flip him. Seems he has a roster spot no matttr what to start the seaon. Most of us would replace him in a minute.
Of course, Gallo is using this season to rebuild his value. The Twins will also have to make a decision on Kepler. Martin being out, Kirilloff still questionable, we still have Larnach and Wallner having to prove themselves this year. Plus the need to find a position for Lewis at some point. Again, Gallo could be a tradechip if he bangs the ball. I doubt, even with his age, I would go for an extension. I feel he is already avstly overpaid. Sorry.
The Twins also could move Taylor or Solano if the need arises. Julien could be on the cusp. Not having Celestino in the mix hurts as a Celestino replacement. I see the Saints outfield to be full of minor league free agents. Of course, we are all hoping Buxton plays 100+ games in the outfield.
Players back in trade can be as useful as additional draft picks. Don't rule that out for any member of the off-season free agent class.

All of the players are working on baseball every single day for many many hours. Which is what spring training is all about.
Yes, it seems the games are more showcasing minor league players NOT on the roster comapred to vbeterans getting used to playing with each other on the field. 
But it does seem that pitchers are getting in their innings and pitches. Batters are batting against live pitching (facing internal options any better/worse than facing minor league guys from other teams?).
Plus, do guys need to play 10-20-30 extra games before the season begins? The WBC at least was competitive, in some ways - if a guy got to play. I'm sure, if able, every Twin on the 40-man is getting in proper fielding, hitting and running, plus pitching every day. What spring training is all about.

All of the players are working on baseball every single day for many many hours. Which is what spring training is all about.
Yes, it seems the games are more showcasing minor league players NOT on the roster comapred to vbeterans getting used to playing with each other on the field. 
But it does seem that pitchers are getting in their innings and pitches. Batters are batting against live pitching (facing internal options any better/worse than facing minor league guys from other teams?).
Plus, do guys need to play 10-20-30 extra games before the season begins? The WBC at least was competitive, in some ways - if a guy got to play. I'm sure, if able, every Twin on the 40-man is getting in proper fielding, hitting and running, plus pitching every day. What spring training is all about.

I was so said that the Twins Baseball Classic team wasn't able to be worldly enough to compete this year, especially against the "former Twins prospects" Australian team.
I am still hoping that names like B.J. Garbe and Ryan Mills would garner prospect value again, along with Shooter Hunt, Danny Rams, Whit Robbins and Travis Harrison. 
I mean, people say the Twins give up on guys too soon. But somehow they managed to bring 2007 drafted Elliot Soto back into the organization, and even put him on the major league roster for a couple of days in 2022. Go figure. Why not do the same for us fans of Jay Rainville, Eduardo Morlan, Ryan Mullins.

All of the players are working on baseball every single day for many many hours. Which is what spring training is all about.
Yes, it seems the games are more showcasing minor league players NOT on the roster comapred to vbeterans getting used to playing with each other on the field. 
But it does seem that pitchers are getting in their innings and pitches. Batters are batting against live pitching (facing internal options any better/worse than facing minor league guys from other teams?).
Plus, do guys need to play 10-20-30 extra games before the season begins? The WBC at least was competitive, in some ways - if a guy got to play. I'm sure, if able, every Twin on the 40-man is getting in proper fielding, hitting and running, plus pitching every day. What spring training is all about.

All of the players are working on baseball every single day for many many hours. Which is what spring training is all about.
Yes, it seems the games are more showcasing minor league players NOT on the roster comapred to vbeterans getting used to playing with each other on the field. 
But it does seem that pitchers are getting in their innings and pitches. Batters are batting against live pitching (facing internal options any better/worse than facing minor league guys from other teams?).
Plus, do guys need to play 10-20-30 extra games before the season begins? The WBC at least was competitive, in some ways - if a guy got to play. I'm sure, if able, every Twin on the 40-man is getting in proper fielding, hitting and running, plus pitching every day. What spring training is all about.

I was so said that the Twins Baseball Classic team wasn't able to be worldly enough to compete this year, especially against the "former Twins prospects" Australian team.
I am still hoping that names like B.J. Garbe and Ryan Mills would garner prospect value again, along with Shooter Hunt, Danny Rams, Whit Robbins and Travis Harrison. 
I mean, people say the Twins give up on guys too soon. But somehow they managed to bring 2007 drafted Elliot Soto back into the organization, and even put him on the major league roster for a couple of days in 2022. Go figure. Why not do the same for us fans of Jay Rainville, Eduardo Morlan, Ryan Mullins.

I was so said that the Twins Baseball Classic team wasn't able to be worldly enough to compete this year, especially against the "former Twins prospects" Australian team.
I am still hoping that names like B.J. Garbe and Ryan Mills would garner prospect value again, along with Shooter Hunt, Danny Rams, Whit Robbins and Travis Harrison. 
I mean, people say the Twins give up on guys too soon. But somehow they managed to bring 2007 drafted Elliot Soto back into the organization, and even put him on the major league roster for a couple of days in 2022. Go figure. Why not do the same for us fans of Jay Rainville, Eduardo Morlan, Ryan Mullins.

I was so said that the Twins Baseball Classic team wasn't able to be worldly enough to compete this year, especially against the "former Twins prospects" Australian team.
I am still hoping that names like B.J. Garbe and Ryan Mills would garner prospect value again, along with Shooter Hunt, Danny Rams, Whit Robbins and Travis Harrison. 
I mean, people say the Twins give up on guys too soon. But somehow they managed to bring 2007 drafted Elliot Soto back into the organization, and even put him on the major league roster for a couple of days in 2022. Go figure. Why not do the same for us fans of Jay Rainville, Eduardo Morlan, Ryan Mullins.

I was so said that the Twins Baseball Classic team wasn't able to be worldly enough to compete this year, especially against the "former Twins prospects" Australian team.
I am still hoping that names like B.J. Garbe and Ryan Mills would garner prospect value again, along with Shooter Hunt, Danny Rams, Whit Robbins and Travis Harrison. 
I mean, people say the Twins give up on guys too soon. But somehow they managed to bring 2007 drafted Elliot Soto back into the organization, and even put him on the major league roster for a couple of days in 2022. Go figure. Why not do the same for us fans of Jay Rainville, Eduardo Morlan, Ryan Mullins.

I was so said that the Twins Baseball Classic team wasn't able to be worldly enough to compete this year, especially against the "former Twins prospects" Australian team.
I am still hoping that names like B.J. Garbe and Ryan Mills would garner prospect value again, along with Shooter Hunt, Danny Rams, Whit Robbins and Travis Harrison. 
I mean, people say the Twins give up on guys too soon. But somehow they managed to bring 2007 drafted Elliot Soto back into the organization, and even put him on the major league roster for a couple of days in 2022. Go figure. Why not do the same for us fans of Jay Rainville, Eduardo Morlan, Ryan Mullins.

Bailey Ober is starting his age 27 season.  So if you compare him to Francisco Liriano, yeah he spent some time in the bullpen, but at age 21 he started 4 games and was in the bp for 2 games.  In his age 22 season he started 16 games and came out of the bullpen 12 times and then I don't really think he was ever in the bullpen again for the Twins, in fact by the time Liriano was 27 the Twins were looking for places to trade him because he had a 5.09 era.  Santana is also a little different because he was brought over as a rule 5 draft pick.  So as a 21 year old he had to stay on the roster somehow and that wasn't going to be as a starter.  But by the time Santana was 27 he had started like 152 games for the Twins.  So yeah if Ober was 22 and he was bouncing back and forth between the bullpen the the rotation then you could make that analogy pretty easily.  But he's in his age 27 season, if he is going to be a starter he needs to start 30 games this year.  Now if the Twins are planning on making Ober a relief pitcher for the rest of his career in Minnesota then that's fine to put him in the pen, but if they have any hopes of him being a quality starter going forward (at his age) he needs to get those starting assignments.  

You may have a point here, depending on what you think the time line is for Lewis and Lee. Both are kind of unknowns. It seems to me that both are likely to be 3Bs (or one at 3B, one at 2B) when they permanently arrive, which would move Miranda to 1B or DH. Lee got a lot of ST ABs - apparently looked good but hit .182/.279/.441. Looks like he needs some MiLB development time, especially since you have to think at least some (if not most) of those ABS were against pitchers who won't make a MLB roster.  Lewis looked great last year but who knows how he'll come back? Still, makes sense to give Miranda some time at 1B to help prepare for a Miranda, Polanco, Correa, Lewis IF in August.   
As for Kirilloff? Hope the guy gets his chance but he may not be able to get there. It sure looks like he can't be relied upon at least at the start of the season which opens up the questions of when and IF he can be a lineup mainstay. That is starting to look like a big IF... 

How long of a leash do we give Kirilloff. ANotehr long stint on the IL-list, spending time rehabbing in Florida before being reassigned to AAA St. Paul. In the meantime, do you make the move of Miranda to first looking towards the future, or leave him at third.
If the Twins need to develop a first baseman, is it Miranda...learning on the job now. That means that third base is Farmer for the now. Would you choose to have Julien learn third base, first base, or be the heir to Polanco if that time comes.
And then, for third, will Lewis or Lee (or Martin) be in the mix for sure before the end of the year, if not in 2024.
Making Kirilloff that extra guy who MIGHT someday be in the infield at first or outfield...or if he can put up decent numbers in rehab, but nothing special...do the Twins market him as tradebait.
Moving Gallo to first opens up the OF for Taylor, Larnach, Gordon (or Wallner). Moving Miranda to first means your infield subs are Gordon and Solano (or maybe that is why you signed Hernan Perez - leaving Larnach at AAA).
The reality is that today, there is NO first base prospect in the Twins system crying to take over the job - same as catcher - so it will involve moving pieces already with the team, or guys who haven't really played, or been groomed yet, for the position.
 
 

Well, the Twins did beat the Yankees 1-0. So this loss isn't horrible. But, man, so few guys in play that are going north with the team.