SS factory? Who could Mike be talking about? It couldn't be our Twins? To my knowledge they haven't produced a bona fide SS since Zoilo Versalles.

Prospects usually don't pan out and leave or move to a different position. Polanco became an all star because of his bat not his glove. He's a 2B but was thrust at SS when we traded Escobar.

It seems that any good SS we've had, we gotten thru trade. Lewis is a good SS but will he stay there?

Why can't we produce our own SS, Mike? It's a question that needs to be asked. Thank you Mike for bringing this to our attention.

Your assessment of the Twins' short stops is sound. Adding a player from outside the organization either via trade or free agency is about making the team better. That doesn't always mean simply shoring up weaker areas - the Twins could improve their team by bringing in a SS like Simmons and finding a different regular role for Polanco.

It is odd that the best SS's the Twins have ever had (other than Zoilo) have all been acquired via trade (Cardenas, Gagne, Guzman come to mind).  

It is also true than Polanco was an A.L. All Star due to his bat, not his glove.

I want to see the Twins get better "D" up the middle.  That's why I'm not against looking at a FA signing (Simmons, Didi) or a trade for someone like Story.  

However, if a BIG move was made for someone like Story, I want the Twins to work out an extension much like the Mets did with Lindor.  I don't want a one-year rental.

I have no superior knowledge, I just see Lewis more as an outfielder.

I still have hope for Wander Javier but this is pretty much a make or break year for him.  He either stays healthy and puts himself back in the serious SS of the future conversation, or I fear he will never turn the corner and drift into the dust bin of forgotten prospects.  

Nick Gordon is the forgotten guy. Maybe, just maybe, he will get a utility role shot this year.

Royce Lewis to the outfield? Already crowded, even after deep-sixing Rosario (no one had grabbed Eddie yet). 

Javier, still highly rated, but has already gone thru two Rule 5 drafts. That ahs to be amazing for such a still highly rated prospect. At some point the Twins have to work him onto the 40-man.

High

 school players vs. college players? Discussion on some positions? Yes, MOST prospects don't pan out at all. Others seemed to be packaged more after their first season in a club's system, which can be a smart move...you basically only have money invested.

Here is the Athletic grading of the Twins off season signings.  I do not know enough about them, but this does not give me much encouragement. 

Minnesota Twins
Grade: F
Trades: None.
Free Agents: Hansel Robles, 1 year/$2 million.
Waiver Claims: None.
Rule 5: None.

The Twins have had an ugly offseason so far, saying goodbye to reliever Trevor May who left for the Mets in free agency, non-tendering outfielder Eddie Rosario and not yet being able to persuade designated hitter Nelson Cruz to return. They did make one move, landing reliever Hansel Robles who’s coming off a 10.26 ERA season in 18 appearances with the Angels. The best part of the offseason for the Twins is opening up a spot for one of the game’s hitting prospects in outfielder Alex Kirilloff.