4 September Predictions for the Twins

1] I will dispute the tie. (Of course it could happen) I still don't buy in to the Sox pitching or the Indians offense. The Twins are still the best team overall. While it will be close, I'm trusting health to move the Twins to 1st place over the next 3 weeks.

2] Pineda? He picked up where he left off last season. That CAN NOT be understated! Maeda has consistently been good to great. Berrios is finding his groove, FINALLY. Hill is showing real flashes. If he can just stay healthy for what I believe may be his final year, he can still be a difference maker for 5 IP.

I don't care if Pineda is our best SP for September. I'm feeling very good right now with our rotation heading in to October. And that rotation makes the bullpen that much better.

3] The 28 man roster should allow for Rooker. We could use another RH bat. At this point, between 2019 AAA production when healthy and HOPEFULLY a good time spent in St Paul, he is basically a September "call up". Buxton and Donaldson mean more. But there could be a lift provided by Rooker.

4] Donaldson could be huge. More than Buxton? I don't know. But Donaldson not only provides offense...and did immediately tonight...but provides defense and a spark of intensity, but also allows Marwin and Adrianza to fit better in to their roles.

If you didn't hear the pre-game, Donaldson stated he wasn't quite right and shouldn't have played right before he went on the IL. And he feels great in everything he is doing now. He absolutely makes a difference.

5] Shame on you Cooper for not including Buxton.

He's going to need to work more on strengthening his shoulder in the offseason. IMPO, the Twins were being extra cautious playing the long game in a short season and I predict he will be ready to go most days, with Cave filling in here and there, and make a real difference offensively and defensively, especially when October comes around.

I am dying to see a Buxton-led Twins squad in the playoffs.

3] The 28 man roster should allow for Rooker. We could use another RH bat. At this point, between 2019 AAA production when healthy and HOPEFULLY a good time spent in St Paul, he is basically a September "call up". Buxton and Donaldson mean more. But there could be a lift provided by Rooker.

 

Are there even September callups as per usual this season?

Will join those who would like to see Rooker join the club this month. The question that must be asked, however, who do you want to waive off the 40-man roster to make his callup happen?

That's right, Rooker isn't on the 40-man. Who gets DFA'd...Thorpe? Gordon? Wade? Astudillo? Blankenhorn? So there will be a real cost should Rooker be called up for the next few weeks. That is unless someone is injured and can be stashed on the 60/45 day IL.

Will join those who would like to see Rooker join the club this month. The question that must be asked, however, who do you want to waive off the 40-man roster to make his callup happen?

 

That's right, Rooker isn't on the 40-man. Who gets DFA'd...Thorpe? Gordon? Wade? Astudillo? Blankenhorn? So there will be a real cost should Rooker be called up for the next few weeks. That is unless someone is injured and can be stashed on the 60/45 day IL.

100%.

Rooker has to be added to the 40 man this off-season. And I'd really like to see him get a shot if possible. Personally, I would expect his normal MO of struggling at first, then making adjustments, and then taking off. But who knows, he could provide a real spark. But the 40 man is not filled with fodder. A decent ballplayer has to be cut to make room for him at this point hoping be does well and can make a difference. Now, that changes if there is a IL candidate. And I think we can all agree we hope that doesn't happen.

My biggest concern right now is Arraez. He's playing on a bad knee and still starting to hit better. He's not going to be close to 100% until next year. Donaldson is key not only for defense, offense and intensity, but be allows Marwin and Adrianza to be the role players that they are. I am much more interested in Blankenhorn, already on the 40 man, to maybe come up and fill in than I am Rooker.