Heiny

Sorry, I just have no faith in him. I cringe every time they show him warming up in the pen.

Would we rather have Gonzales back at the Utility/Everywhere role? No thanks. I like Arraez right where he is. Ok defense all over and much much better stick.

However they have to work it, I don't want to risk losing Enlow at this point. And as far as Rooker goes, he seems to have good value as a DH, so if the Twins are going to lose him, I hope its through trade so that they at least get something for him. I still like his bat and think it will continue to get better and more consistent with more big league at bats. But through trade, I would think we would at least get a mid-level prospect in return.

Love the rankings and IMHO grading them is so speculative that I like reading everyone's opinions. I just wish that I could watch full minor league games occasionally(somewhere). Does anyone know of any online sites that stream full games either live or recorded?

If the Twins want to win???? I think it would take two of these pitchers. With our perceived strong minor league contingent as (much needed) depth, I would look at the Twins to be the far and away favorite in the Central. This would be extremely expensive, and I think a longshot to even get one, but, winning the division would sure ease some of the sting. Would also be more plausible if they could trade Donaldson in the off-season to lighten the load. The dreaming starts already in early Aug?

Agreed 100%. Why are players not taught to bunt anymore? To me, the game is not evolving, but instead regressing. Is it coaching, or has the approach to the game changed so much that it sometimes has me gagging? As a traditionalist growing up watching baseball in the 60's and 70's, I hate all the new and extreme rules changes, like 7 inning doubleheaders, and the baserunner to start extra innings. Getting as bad as Nascar. Getting back to Kepler, how about going back to the basics of hitting, bunting, walking. He will never be a Carew type, and he shouldn't. But he could be more of a Cuddyer type, which I think is reasonable.

I'm just glad to hear that Herbie has his priorities in order. Pitching? Catching? Hitting? PFFFFT. Just shut up and eat your sandwich.

I think most of us went into this season feeling real good about our roster. Well, that obviously didn't turn out as planned. But, I still like the looks of this roster, for the most part, on paper. I would like to see next years roster look something similar to this. C - Jeffers, Rortvedt with Garver being traded. 1b - Kirilloff/Sano with Sano possibly being traded. 2b - Polanco/Araez, 3b - Donaldson/Araez, SS - Simons/Gordon with hopes for Lewis. OF - Buxton, Larnach, Kirilloff, Kepler Sp - Berrios, Maeda, Pineda, (Ober/Balazovic/Duran/Canterino/Enlow), and a FA like a (Duffy/Strohman/ Gausman). Rp - Rogers, Duffy, Robles, Alcala, and go big on FA's with Hand, Rosenthal, Yates, Bradley. This is where we need to spend some money. I have no idea what this would bring the payroll to, but I'm thinking it could be do-able. (if we truly want to contend for a WS.) Am I delirious?

tarheeltwinsfan - thank you for your service and an interesting post about the times.

Hilarious. Thanks for the light-hearted relief? Oops, did I say relief. That's a bad word.

I am a huge Kirilloff fan and have no doubt he will be a star in the Bigs. But as for Nick Gordon, I am excited for him to get his opportunity and I hope he gets a real chance to show what he can do. I still believe in his big league talent. Between Gordon and Lewis I am hoping our shortstop position is filled for 2021 and beyond. Nothing against Simmons, I love his play, but he was supposed to be the 2020 stopgap. I want the prospects to succeed so the Twins can spend their money on some "Real Pitching". Is there anybody that can pitch the 5th inning and later?

Love this deal. As a young man who has actually worked for a living, Dobnak undertands that $9.25 million dollars is enough to live on for the rest of his life. The Twins can't lose on this deal and it's refreshing to see the lack of greed in pro sports. By the end of this contract Dobnak could be worth 15 times what he's being paid in this market. To me, even at his current contract, he is a very rich man.

I am very high on Larnach. Unfortunately I've only gotten to see little of him, but from what I have read, he seems to have great work ethic, a super attitude, intelligence, and the bat speaks for itself. I hope he makes the bigs this year. I'd love to see him in RF, AK in LF, and Buxton in C. I'd also hate to see Max go, but with his team friendly contract with several years of team control, I think he'd be a very good trade chip. Also keeping the right hand bat of Rooker on the team, but we would still have to have a backup for Buxton. Broxton and Celestino in the minors for emergency call up, but can we also keep Cave for Buck to have some days of rest occasionally. I must be a little over-excited about our young bats.

I don't think that there is a totally fair solution for every player and every team so there is always going to be controversy. I would like to see a floor and ceiling cap. And how about making all players free agents by age. I would propose a restricted free agency for all players at age 27 and 28, unless previously signing an extension,and unrestricted free agency at age 29. If players want to use the restricted free agency (two year period) contracts would be restricted to one year contracts. Yes, teams could promise the player (against the rules of course) better things to come in the future, but there would be nothing to hold the team to that promise if the player got injured or went in the tank. If a player used the unrestricted free agency at age 27, he would be forced to use it again at age 28, however after signing his age 28 contract, he could sign an extension after that years all-star game. Is this way off the wall?

This is a tough one, but a really good problem to have. I really like our young guys, Kiriloff, Rooker, Larnach and would hate to see any of them traded. But something has to give somewhere. I also think that I have more respect for Caves' game than most. Very versatile outfielder, very steady. Arr'aez should stay in the infield IMO.(for some reason I'm not totally sold on him). I know, but just a gut feeling. So, who has to go? I guess I'd trade whoever I could get the best deal (very good SP)for. Maybe two of the above. But definitely not AK. I see future Superstar here.

Great interview. I really like Lewis. Seems to be very intelligent, humble, optimistic, confident, appreciative and comfortable with himself. Throw in his amazing talent and I predict a superstar in the near future. Can't wait to see him making big plays at Target Field. Wish him the best of luck. And kudos to Seth. Bring on baseball.

With my crystal ball turned up to maxi-vision I am seeing the Dodgers winning the world series in 7 games over the underdog Minnesota Twins. But you never know with the Twins. Possible upset here.

For me it is easily Kirilloff. Because, since this is all opinions, I believe Kirilloff will be a star in the bigs even if he only plays average defense. And even though I hope that Lewis' bat will begin to shine, as expected, I am not quite as confidant in that happening. Making him a defensive specialist. Possibly even "Super Utility". I know that sounds pessimistic and I don't actually believe it myself, but the point is that he needs to show that his bat can be ML average. But, on the other hand, he is young, and super athletic. I do believe he will get there, hopefully very soon.

As a 61 year old Twins fan for life, I truly appreciate Dick Bremers' sincere and refreshing voice of the Minnesota Twins. He should already be in the MLB Baseball Hall of Fame. But he will undoubtedly be a HOF'er someday. Thank you Mr. Bremer. You are truly a "Class Act". And I would love to meet you someday.

Just my opinion, but this has been a very disappointing off season after going into it with high hopes and expectations of going after a top end starter. I would change my opinion if they would get Donaldson, but I agree that it is unlikely. Need to go all-in here or stop the big talk about trying to improve. Just say it out loud. "We are trying to save money".

Hey Seth: I haven't posted much here, but have been reading for quite some time. I remember watching you play ball in high school a good number of years ago being from Perham. Love TD and am very impressed with the articles by yourself and all the other contributors. Happy Holidays to all and I am looking forward to all the off-season info you guys provide. Don't have alot of time to scour the net for info, so I come here first. Keep up the good work. P.S. My hopes for the off-season is for the Twins to sign both Wheeler and Bumgarner and a catcher. And if they were to trade Rosario, don't let him go cheap. Back end bullpen help at least.

Who did Pythagore play for? I don't remember him.

I am always an optimist at this time of year. However, when I break down this team, I see average to an extreme. At 1st base we have another hopeful that could turn out very well, could be a bust. No real confidence here. Average? At second we have another hopeful, decent defense, decent power, Average? At Short we have below average defense with a decent bat. Hopefully average? At third, who the hell knows. No confidence in Sano playing more than a half season due to injuries, and if he does get and stay healthy, will he hit and play average defense? Catcher is again average defense and average offense. Outfield defense looks well above average and slightly above average offensively depending on whether Buxton breaks out. And then there is the always below average pitching. I think at this point I am being optimistic looking for a .500 season. On the other hand, everything could fall into place with + seasons from all the new additions, + seasons from the average leftovers and an above average utility group, I could see us winning the weak Central division. All in all it should be an interesting season.

I am going to give them an "A" just as soon as they sign Dallas Keuchel AND Craig Kimbrel. Yes I am a wishful thinker. But they have the money to spend. Do they have the desire to win? This would put them in position to have a solid chance in the playoffs and the favorite to win the division. "Dreeeaaamer!"

I will have to disagree with this statement. I see Kirby as overwhelming in Center. Rod Carew at second base and First base. And Joe at catcher. But that's my opinion.