rdehring

Will agree that the Twins are/should be ranked in the Top 10, perhaps as high as the 6-8 range considering their depth. But would you prefer to have them ranked Top 10? Or since you mentioned Dangerfield, "getting no respect?" I'll take the Rodney side of that coin and hope like heck they pitch the entire summer with a big chip on their shoulders.

Great read, Matt. I expect, however, that Duffey was in the Twins plans for 2019 and the fact he started at AAA was a disappointment. But he sure as heck turned it around and was great down the stretch. Listened to the Romo interview yesterday. He raved about what to expect from Alcala. Got me as excited as I was last year for that guy who now wears Dodger blue. What was his name again? Will second the comments above that I am hopeful that Colina can stick as a starter.

Who was the starting pitcher a couple years ago who had an incentive for reaching a certain innings level, maybe 200. Recall he was within less than an inning and Molitor told him they would bring him in the last Sunday of the year for an inning of relief. Remember he chose to not do so. Stand up move by the pitcher and the Twins. And regarding the above comment, aren't incentives based on things like ERA and wins not allowed?

So true Trov. Seems I don't often get to laugh of late, thanks!

Based on the Twins recent history, Matt, I suspect Roco will be told to not consider the incentives when scheduling Maeda's workload. One question I do have, will the Dodgers make a claim to recover part of what they paid to the Twins for this year based on the shortened season and reduced dollars owed Maeda? If they do, do they have a case?

My biggest question regarding the Tigers is how the new rule that you must stay 6' away from the umpire is going to affect Ron Gardenhire's ability to argue? Where would you put the number, Nick, at how many games Gardy will get ejected from this year? Considering the shortened season, I put it at 2.

No, yes, maybe? The good news is that it is looking like he has a chance as there will/maybe be baseball. The bigger question is, will Jake Odorizzi be in the hunt to be the Twins ACE in 2021? I for one sure as heck hope so.

Great read, Seth, thanks. Now if they can get May signed to a nice extension, all will be good.

I have never seen Celestino play, Mike. But from what I have read from Seth and others is that he is a major league ready center fielder now. Because he hasn't yet made the upper levels of minor league ball, his bat isn't ready.

I understand much of what you are saying and agree with your expectations for Kirilloff and Larnach. And your belief that the team may be better off putting the dollars Rosario will earn elsewhere may also be correct. But I must disagree with your statement that Rosario is an average MLB player. There is nothing average about Eddie Rosario. Hitting 30+ home runs and driving in 100+ is not average. Yes, I understand the argument some bring that he was fortunate to have the opportunity of coming to the plate often with runners in scoring position. But, unlike so many over the years he got the job done and drove them in...more than 100 times. There is nothing average about his swinging at pitches out of the strike zone. And I would guess that he gets more hits and extra base hits on balls well out of the zone than any other player in baseball. Frustrating, yes. Average, certainly not. There is nothing average about the emotion he brings to the field and his team when on one of his several streaks every year, streaks that can last for weeks. There is nothing average how he cuts off balls down the left field line that look for certain to be doubles, at least when playing on two good legs and ankles. There also is nothing average about how he comes to the field and plays with noticeable injuries. Yes, there are many others that also play hurt, but I would guess not your average MLB player. There is nothing average about his making a few truly dumb baserunning mistakes during the season, mistakes you try to eliminate in Little League. Yet, he also takes so many extra bases that those few gaffes can be forgiven. Again, not your average player. And there is nothing average about the five to ten outs he gets from throws that very few players in the game will even try, much less be successful with. And yes, there is nothing average about the dozen or so throws he makes to the wrong base each season...certainly not something you would expect from your average veteran outfielder. Yes, there can certainly be criticism of some of the things Eddie does on the field. And I suppose that some of the stats you all use may put Eddie amongst those average outfielders in the game. But the player I see on the field is anything but average and a player I hope I can continue to watch in a Twins uniform for many years.

I understand what you are saying about Eddie's situation, Matt. And agree that two of the Twins prime prospects are corner outfielders. But I must ask, who from inside the Twins organization has ever indicated that the organization and Eddie are going in opposite directions? I recall seeing many writers here and on other sites piling crap on Eddie's play. I recall seeing many, many commenters taking shots at his abilities. But I don't recall anyone who makes decisions for the Twins ever hinting at anything other than they like Eddie. I don't know what the future holds for Eddie and the Twins, and I have warmed to the position that trading him may become their best alternative. But I wouldn't be surprised if they gave him an extension sometime next year. They can then sit back and see which of the top prospects actually makes it and deal with the others. But that's just my opinion.

Sorry about those Kirilloff comments, Matt. But I swear I saw something this morning. There is so much information in your piece, guess my old eyes saw something that wasn't there. Will toss my hat into the ring that Dobnak was amazing last year and is going to continue to be very good in 2020...assuming they actually play in two weeks. Reminds me of a pitcher who was very good back in the 50's or 60's, just can't remember who. With all these pitchers, don't have a clue who the five starters are going to be. Just know that Dobnak is going to be in the mix, pitching alot.

I guess I don't understand your definition of Fringe. Ranking all three of last year's young starters, Dobnak, Thorpe and Smeltzer as low is a mistake, in my opinion. Also raised an eyebrow when reading your comment about Kirilloff's defensive limitations. Yes, he will become a long-time MLB star because of his bat. Yes, he is not known for being a top defensive player. But he is adequate, average if you choose, defensively both at first base and in right field...at least he was a few years ago when I saw him in Cedar Rapids. Seems like someone decided he is a defensive liability and others are piling on.

Great article that I agree with in its entirety. As I read, kept thinking that every starting position player on the Twins is amongst the top half at his position in MLB. The more I thought about that, may even top third...Top 10. Here's to a summer, albeit short, of both Buxton and Kepler becoming top three. As I have often said, we could be watching a future Hall of Famer in Kepler.

I am most excited about being able to sit down after dinner and watch a ballgame. Yup, want them to win the World Series. But if they go 20-40 I will still be happy, just having baseball back so I don't have to watch reruns for a second time of programs I didn't care for when the program was first played.

Great read, Seth. Expect like others, I would like to see Garver start about 42 games with a little heavier use early and more rest towards the end when the championship is locked up. On a side note, saw that Dobnak pitched four great innings in the scrimmage last night. Have a feeling he is going to pitch himself into one of the five starting spots in their opening day rotation. Gotta love the depth the FO developed over the winter.

It is so much fun watching Buxton stretch a normal single to one of his many doubles. That burst is the most exciting thing he does for me. I really believe he can set records for the most doubles in a season. Does anyone know what that would be? If he continues to improve and can stay on the field, Byron could someday be an MVP.

Trevor May is one of two Twins I want to see the Twins extend before the end of the season. I want him remaining in the Twins bullpen in 2021, 2022 and beyond. The other Twin is Jake Odorizzi. Also want to see them bring back both Cruz and Hill, assuming they have good years and don't retire. But those both should be one year contracts that can be worked out after the Series.

Great read, Parker. Now I just want to see him on the mound again, soon!

Great interview, thanks.

Thanks for the update, Seth. Interesting mix of veteran AAAA guys and young prospects. Surprised that a couple of the older pitchers aren't at Target Field as I have seen talk they could make the opening day 30 man roster...guys like Chacin, Thielbar and Coulombe. If this group of 23 is at St. Paul, they have only 35 at Target Field. Means almost all of them will open in Chicago in two weeks. I know Pineda has to sit out the first 36 games. Is he with the group at Target Field? Or is he not here yet?

Granted, Kepler hasn't played much first base in the majors. But I believe he played a fair amount in the minors, whereas, I suspect that Garver played very little. With that said, I don't want to see possibly the best right fielder in the game playing first base.

I like Kirilloff this year, next year and beyond when Sano has moved to DH. Lets all remember when talking about his "less impressive" 2019 stats that he played much of the year with a wrist injury. When healthy, he will become one of the Twins better hitters...hopefully, for a long, long time.

Thanks, Seth, and Happy July 4th. Really odd reading about the start of ST-2 this weekend. Hopefully, all will go well and we will have some real baseball in a few weeks.

I am going to assume that Dobnak wins one of the starting spots out of spring training. Add in Hill, who now should be ready from opening day, and Berrios, Odorizzi, Maeda and Bailey gives the Twins six starters, not including Chacin, Thorpe, Smeltzer and Pineda, when he is eligible. Is it possible that the Twins could trade one of them, say Bailey, to a contender who is short one solid starter? Perhaps someone in the National League who wouldn't be in direct competition with the Twins. I know there are some limitations on who can be traded this year, but maybe they could pick up a nice prospect who is close.