Jacksson

Clemens gets hosed again !!

NOT HARDLY. Won by a guy without a proven defensive position. Second goes to a guy that disappeared after the All Star Break? Kody Clemens got hosed: he should have been #1. RECOUNT THE VOTES !!

If Buxton starts out as DH due to recovering from surgery and if Jenkins begins the year in AAA, Roden could be starting in the OF.

The organization should have a "PLAN" for each and every player in the organization that lays out their advancement through the system along with the use of developmental and training tools necessary to accomplish the "PLAN". Sometimes the players develop as planned, sometimes they don't. It is important to the long term success of the organization to identify those players who are not working out early in their career and move on from them, making way for better prospects. Given the number of LH hitting OF, the players without a defensive position, the positional "holes" that exist in the organization, this is an area in need of increased attention.

In some way shape or form, Larnach will be with a different organization in 2027. There is no room for him on the Twins' roster. The only possible fit is as a DH, but 50% of those at bats will go to the surgically recovering Buxton who may not play a defensive position until after the All Star Break, while the rest will go to position players who are getting a partial day off. If Larnach is untradeable, he will have to be non-tendered. Same for Wallner.

The team failed to live up to expectations for 2026. Reasons= #1 Injuries to players leading to extended loss of playing time = Abel, Sands, Banda, Festa, Paredes, Rojas, Acton, Buxton. #2 Performances below expected levels from = Wallner, Larnach, Buxton, Roden, Martin, Ryan, Adams, Ober, Orze, Rogers. #3 Poor organizational decision making = A - Keeping Outman on the 26 man roster. B - Failure to trade Jeffers & acquire MLB ready players. C - Failure to trade Ryan & acquire MLB ready players. D - Taking until mid season to realize that the infield alignment was flawed and making the moves necessary to overhaul that situation which resulted in position changes and necessitating "learning on the fly" at new or relatively unfamiliar positions by players: Lee, Lewis, Keaschall, Clemens. E - Continuing to believe that Gray was a capable ML Shortstop. F - Delaying the season ending hip surgery on Buxton until the season was shot when it was clear that surgery was the outcome at the time of the All Star Break and depriving players: Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Roden, Mendez of gaining valuable MAJOR LEAGUE outfield experience as well as providing organizational data on their performance that could be used for player evaluation. G - Signing Caratini. H - Signing Bell. I - Shortening the 26 man roster by carrying Jackson as a 3rd catcher for two extended periods of time during which he received minimal utilization. #4 - Having an owner and GM with a deluded opinion of the construction and performance capabilities of the team.

Too bad there is a lack of top tier ML pitching talent at the top of the organizational pipeline but that must be due to having to elevate pitchers from St Paul to the Twins due to in season and prior to the season pitching injuries. Keep an eye on MiLB free agents, International Free Agents, Independent League Free Agents, Rule 5 eligible pitchers to fill out at AAA.

Got to look at 1B trade opportunities with organizations where the advancement of their ascending 1B talent is blocked by an established ML level 1B, Research, Identify, Evaluate, Prioritize, Pursue. Also be open to top AAA performers who could be moved to 1B or at least have exposure to playing 1B. This should be a top priority and except for a few select players, EVERYONE or a combination of everyones should be available.

Yes they did, the DUMMIES !!

The next 1B is not currently in the organization. Identify that player. Trade for him.

TWO EXTRA HOURS of OF practice EVERY DAY for Keaschall !!

Possibly him and BP Coach Hawkins as well.

Move him to RF (if he is still with the team). Have him fill in in CF and DH a time or two each week. Make sure the rest of the league knows that despite Buxton's stated wish to remain with the Twins; the Twins will take calls and listen to trade inquiries.

BUXTON

Shelton should order an "unintentional" HBP to one of the premier players on the Guardians in retaliation of Culpepper getting plunked.