MN_ExPat

I love Eddie as much as everyone else. I'm sorry to see him go, but I understand why. I'm also glad that he found a new home. However... the Unwritten Laws of Baseball clearly state "You may root for a favorite player who has moved on to another team. However, under no circumstances may you root for him when he plays against his former team (our Twins). In said case, the former player must strike out or hit weak grounders (Golden Sombrero is preferred) in every AB." I would love to see Eddie do well, just not against the Twins. As you can see above, the rules say so.

I've always liked Wong as a player, and you make a very good case for how he would fit with the Twins. Nothing against him as a hitter, but he's not even in the same ballpark (no pun intended) when compared to Arraez's hit tool. Like you said though, he is a much more instinctive defender. He doesn't quit have Adrianza's defensive flexibility (at least in my mind), but I do think he could be a valuable contributor.

Of course, we are dealing with human beings, so perhaps this wasn't done with LOGIC as a foundation, but with other intentions. Bauer is pretty opinionated and brash. Perhaps he really doesn't like the Twins and wanted to make it clear they weren't an option for him, leverage be damned? Or perhaps Derek Falvey really didn't like Bauer from their time together in Cleveland and had no intention of helping him gain more leverage? I have nothing against Bauer, I think he's a good pitcher. My son loves him and watches his Podcasts and follows a number of things he does as a pitcher... but I can't help but think this thought fits the best with the whole Bauer/Twins dynamic. I think he would pitch well in a Twins Uni, but the key would be does he want to and I've never seen him as interested (and no I don't think it's because FAs hate the Twins).

While it is frustrating to not know for sure what the FO is planning or waiting on (I'm right there with everyone else), I at least have a great diversion to the MLB waiting game... The season has officially started for Georgia HS Baseball as of last week and the #1 team in the state last season (6A) is resuming their quest for a state title. Not that anyone cares, but we're pretty excited .

Great write up Parker. That movement is filthy .

I don't think you're crazy at all... maybe a little ornery, and a wee bit of "GET OFF MY LAWN!!", but definitely not crazy .

Interesting take Sir. TYVM for the write up.

I think you make a good point Nick, but like many of the others have said here, I don't think there is a clear cut answer to Eddie right now. I think we can all agree that he is the type of player that plays wholeheartedly with passion and emotion. The downside to that being that it costs him greatly at times in the discipline department and often leaves him vulnerable at the plate to pitchers who can exploit it. The clubhouse presence and leadership qualities that he embodies make him more valuable than his gaffs in the field (for now at least), but hopefully the FO finds a way to mix in the newcomers to maximize everyone's talents and abilities and make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.

The term "Ace" seems to be really more of a fan and Sports Writer (or talking head on Sports Center) creation than anything else. A term used to soothe the feelings of uncertainty and angst that many feel due to the unknowns of baseball. I would argue that there is no such thing as a true "Ace". Rather there are Tiers of pitchers, and even within those Tiers there is some considerable variance based on factors such as health, experience, stamina, etc.. The term "True Ace" is a lot like unicorns and Bigfoot. Everybody talks about them, but they are rarely seen.

I'd have to be on board with Maeda as well, but I think the "Dobs" shares that honor right now. His "stuff" may not be flashy and exciting to our many Grognards, but his moxy and bulldog mentality is off the charts. He is exactly the type of guy every team needs (kind of reminds me of a stockier version of Radke). Plus, thou shalt not disparage the "Fu"

Good game. Alcala’s pitch to Bell in the 9th really wasn’t that bad of a pitch... Bell just simply put a good swing on it. Kudos to him and a tip of the cap. Skol Twins!

Well said Doc.

Heresy!!!!

I’m in Ft. Myers for a PG tourney with my son this week. Kind of bummed we will miss most of the players as they won’t report until our last day here. He was at Jet Blue Park today, not quite as nice as the Twins complex, but still pretty cool.

Georgia does as well (sort of). A lot of HS teams will play together as showcase or travel clubs during the summer and fall. That's what my son's team does, whole team plays as a travel team (And they are pretty darn good to boot. They get a lot of wide eyes at tourneys). There is a very good reason so many players come out of Georgia and Florida

I can't help but feel that some current MLB owners view the minors as competition to their product rather than the resource and bloodline that MiLB is. Although, current established/veteran players and the Union really aren't publicly supporting the minor league players much (at least that I've seen, so I readily admit that I may have missed some headlines). In this facet they are doing little (publicly) to help those who follow them. Do they have to do this or are they required morally? No, but it would make the game a better place if they did.

Here's the Twins next great pitcher . 15.3 K/9 this spring before the season got cancelled.

Great story Matt. I'd have to say I'm with the early majority here as well on Torii. Great player, and the type every team needs and loves to have on the roster (the guy who just makes folks better around him). Would I vote him for the HOF? Probably not... but that doesn't mean a negative to me though or take away from who we was as a player to me. Twins HOFer and definitely ready for induction into the Hall of the Very Good . Donaldson... he's made a very strong case for himself thus far, but time will tell so here's hoping to many more (Thunder) Bombas from the "Bringer of Rain".

I'm with Tom on this one. Crew still has star power, but... I think at the end of the day they just don't have enough horses in the stable to forge their own destiny and will rely on a lot of luck and things to break just right. Can't say I'm bummed about Pittsburgh myself, but With Shelton there, it would be nice to see some "moral" victories for them .

I guess I just want to see baseball being played again. In many ways I don't really care how they play it (division formats or league setup that is) or where, I just want to watch baseball again. It will probably not be the same if there is no minor league ball, but I understand (if only a logical level) as to the logistics involved getting them off the ground may be too difficult at the moment to pull off. Until my son and his HS teammates are allowed to retake the field (really hoping the rumors of summer ball in GA starting up again soon are true because in my mind there is little better than seeing HS and college kids play their hearts out ) I'll have to hold on to the possible reality that we will see our beloved Twins soon

Great story idea Nick. It really is awesome to hear from and be reminded who some of "our" writers at TD are. It's one of those things that I think truly connects this site and Twins fans much more so than many other teams. Thank you again for all you guys do.

I find your lack of faith.... disturbing.

I've been thinking this point over a good bit over the last few days. I think John and Nick both make very good points, and I actual agree with both of them (I know... weird right?). I LOVE baseball. Probably to the point of obsession according to my wife and daughter. I truly want to see MLB back on the field this year, but I understand (even though it would break my heart) if it can't be for a multitude of reasons. I've never deserted baseball (never will), but I found my passion waning as the Twins sunk into a bit of a morass at the end of the first decade of the 2000's. No, the thing that rekindled my obsession was my son and the ability to share the game with him. What I truly miss and want to see more than any other (baseball thing) is my son and his teammates on the diamond. He has truly embraced the game and it has turned a passion into a true joy (it also helps that he has a true knack for the game and had taken a huge step forward this year again ). This is what I miss the most. To me and my thinking, there is little more pure about baseball than HS and College players love of the game. So while I would love to see MLB and our Twins charge out of the dugout and take the field this year... what I miss the most and pray we will see soon (as long as we can safely do so) is my son and his friends/teammates getting to be boys again and being able to play the single greatest game God has ever granted upon the face of the earth. Take care everyone

I'm torn either way personally. I love baseball and want to see it played, but I may not be to crazy about the fundamental changes for this "season" (although that isn't a deal breaker for me personally). Ultimately, I truly just want to see my son and his HS team play. My head knows the reasons for shutting down his season, and I support them... but, my heart had a very hard time watching what was shaping up to be a breakout season cut short (.7 ERA / .7 WHIP / 15.39 K/9 / 17:1 K:BB Ratio - you get the picture). He may get to play summer ball (we shall see how things pan out), but in the mean time... even a warped version of our National Pastime may be better than nothing .

Great write up Matthew. You're right, that is a fun little exercise, thank you.