4twinsJA

The complicating factor is Maeda's contract has incentives for games started. He may look at a move to relief as a way to keep his salary down. Maeda should be ready for the season, maybe not 6-7 innings for first few starts. It is an unusual position for the Twins to have the 6th starter, a legitimate MLB starting pitcher. I look for Ober to get plenty of starts for the Twins next year, then to be in top 5 of rotation in 2024.

Julien is on 40 man roster so increases his chances of playing at MLB level this year, especially compared to Martin. But, still has to prove himself at AAA level. Hopefully, Julien makes it hard for Twins to keep him at AAA.

I would not say Twins added players to reduce Gordon's role, more that they acknowledge Twin's need better depth than they have had. Hard to be competitive running out- Cave, Beckham, Contreras, Billy Hamilton to play on a consistent basis due to injuries. Now Twins have Buxton, Kepler, Gallo, Kirilloff, Taylor, Gordon, Larnach, with Wallner and Celestino at AAA in case of multiple injuries. I am sure we will see plenty of Gordon this year.

Bally going bankrupt is too good of an opportunity for MLB to pass up. Although, Bally is going bankrupt, is it that great an opportunity. Maybe MLB needs to really look at the product they are producing, to make it more attractive to more people.

I look for Twins to add Hand after putting players on 60 day IL. Should be a good addition, experienced, LH pitcher. Will be plenty of opportunity for Megill and others that don't make opening day roster, likely to need another 8 bullpen arms through the year. Great to have depth, playing time will work its way out on the field over the year.

I am not in the Urshela camp. He had a good year and by all accounts was a good teammate, but expendable. Miranda will be much more comfortable at 3B than 1B, Urshela's defensive metrics were nothing to get excited about. I agree in future may see Correa, Lewis, Lee in some combination at 3B, SS, 2B. I am a little pessimistic about Kirilloff and maybe Miranda's long term position in 1B but for this year like him at 3B.

Big year for Martin, needs to take a step forward. Looking at him physically, don't see much power potential. He is not very big. Will he develop into a Gordon type player, able to play all over the field?

Signing with Miami seems odd with the pitching depth Marlins have. Best of luck to Devin, will be rooting for him.

Baseball America had an article a few years ago about minor leagues and how many players make it to MLB. The average team's minor league system had 33 players that would make an appearance in the MLBs. Only 14 on average would go on to have at least 3 years in MLB. So, yes many of these prospects are not going to make a major impact at the MLB level. I still love reading about them, and seeing the ranking and projections. Hope them the best and that they can contribute to the Twins at some point. Like Seth has stated, some of these players at lower end of rankings or honorable mention are just an adjustment or two away from breaking out. My top 3 from these 10 are: Nowlin- great K rate, Enlow- I look for him to regain his stuff this year, and Severino- watched some of his games last year, if he can stay healthy could really impress.

4. Improve health of team, less injuries.

Miami has Alcantara, Rogers, Luzardo, Cabrera, and Lopez, with Eury Perez and Max Meyer(post elbow surg) on the way up in the future. They also signed Cueto this offseason. Miami has plenty of starting pitching options, can afford to trade at least one good SP. They need hitters. To get a pitcher with years of control yet, may need to offer same in position player with some MLB experience. No one has mentioned Miranda, maybe a package of Miranda and Kepler and as Nashvilletwin suggested throw in one of former first round picks Sabato or Cavaco-maybe both.

I am excited about Moran, agree he is not ready for high leverage opportunities but definitely should have a solid hold of a position in the Twins bullpen. Moran is probably never going to have closer type stuff but I look for him to develop into a solid 7th or 8th inning set up man.

Enjoyed Gleeman's article in Athletic. Interesting that 11 of last year's top 25 are off list-5 graduated from prospect list and contributed to Twins last year, 5 traded, and 1 released. A lot of new names on the list this year. A good mix of near MLB ready players and low level prospects. I am anxious to see how pitching develops- Varland, SWR, Balazovic, Headrick, Festa, and younger prospects Raya, Prielipp,

I liked Garlick, but couldn't stay healthy.

Twins starting pitching is in better condition that going into the season this year. This year opening rotation was Gray, Ryan, Ober, Bundy, and Archer, with Paddock, Smeltzer, Winder, Balazovic, Dobnak as depth. Opening rotation had Gray, 2 unproven pitchers, and 2 pitchers off scrap heap. Next year possibly, Gray, Mahle, Ryan, Maeda, and Ober with Winder, Varland, SWR, Balazovic, Paddock as depth maybe even Sands, Henriquez, Headrick. Still some questions marks, but hard to say not improved from this year.