stringer bell

Well put Chief. Even with an eight-man bullpen, there are lots of "high leverage" innings to cover and it can't be the same three or even four guys each night. Of course, if five innings is the standard, that means more innings to be absorbed by the 'pen. Sometimes, there are plenty of available guys and sometimes there aren't. I honestly don't think anyone in the bullpen has been overworked (again thanks mostly to having eight guys out there), but the quality isn't there to entrust the Duffeys, Megills and Pagans to keep a close game close or hold a lead.

When Larnach and Sano were the only position players on the IL, I felt like the Twins had 13 major league ballplayers manning their 13 position player spots. Now, they have Contreras, Beckham and Cave on the roster and starting Contreras and Cave against lefties as recently as Wednesday. IMHO, JBJ is superior to at least two of those three and maybe a last chance to salvage a big league contract next year might help him actually hit acceptably. A similar player who hits right would be even more helpful. SSS, but I don't think the gaudy stats of Beckham or the good numbers that Contreras put up make them legitimate big league players right now and neither is a prospect. If it's going to be a dogfight to win the Central and JBJ can help win one more game than either Contreras or Beckham, it is worth it. I'll agree that Jake Cave is doing what he can to get himself either more money in arb or a big league contract in his short time with the Twins. If the choice is purely between Cave and Bradley, I wouldn't rock the boat to add JBJ.

Cleveland and Chicago both lose today so there’s that.

The back end looks good, but if they’re throwing four innings per game, the Duffey-Pagán-Megill combo is…….underwhelming.

According mlbtraderumors.com, Alcala had elbow surgery and is done for the season. It was not TJ surgery.

I would say that there should be no dispute that they go to the bullpen tonight. I think it’s really difficult to have four different pitchers hold a lead.

Bradley does hit left handed.

Right now it is Contreras and Cave, with Gordon or Celestino in center field. I would like Bradley over those guys. If/when Kepler and Larnach return on time, he could be a bench player or released with minimal cost.

The price would be prorated MLB minimum.

The Red Sox DFAed Jackie Bradley Jr. today. With the Twins run of injuries, would the Twins consider bringing him in as a stopgap? He remains an outstanding defensive player and has pennant race and postseason experience.

Scoreboard watching —Houston @ Cleveland and WSox @ Texas.

Tough matchup tonight. Still, if Gray is sharp the Twins have a chance. Also of note, the Twins have done very well against elite starting pitching.

Two stats seem to be telling and in both Cotton is well below average. His FIP is 5.49 and he’s yielded 1.8 HR per 9. As far as Moran is concerned, the 5.8 BB per 9 doesn’t generate a lot of trust.

I'm kind of surprised about who didn't get traded. How are Contreras and Happ still with the Cubs? The D-Backs All-Star Mantiply also comes to mind as someone who should have been moved. What are the Nats going to do with Nelson Cruz? The Braves added Jake Odorizzi, Robby Grossman and Ehire Adrianza--wow an ex-Twins trifecta!

I think that over the past year and a half a lot of prospect talent has graduated. Pitchers Ryan (acquired in a trade), Winder, Duran, Jax and Moran, position players Lewis, Larnach and Kirilloff will all have lost their rookie status in 2021 or 2022. The farm system had depth, which contributed to the two Class A teams being at the top of their league. Now, with so many prospects traded, I don't think the system is as deep (for now). Steer and Cano were probably the only players who had a chance to help in 2022-23. The Twins acquired two pitchers who should be big assets in 2023 in exchange for prospects. I think it was a good choice.

I voted "A", but considered it a choice between A- and B+. the bullpen is much improved. My sincere hope is that the innings saved by pulling starters early can provide enough rest and reduced stress to more routinely go 6 innings. Mahle supposedly is healthy and went six in his last outing. If Ryan, Mahle and Gray can go six more often than not, the bullpen is in position to be much improved. Fulmer and Lopez add two plus arms. Thielbar and Duran can be placed in setup roles and Duffey, Pagan and Jax can be properly placed. The reason I voted A over B was that both Lopez and Mahle are under team control for next year. I think both the rotation and 'pen are improved for 2023. Further, I think they will make a run at a starter like Rodon in the offseason. Health will determine if the club makes the playoffs in 2022.

The irregulars in the outfield have done pretty well so far. It is going to be a tall order to slug with Toronto. The Twins will need contributions from most of the roster this weekend.

They try to take the extra base and also guarantee that the runner scores, sometimes sacrificing an out for the run.

Nick Gordon with two interesting sacrifice flies in the game.

Yes Polanco!

Yes Polanco.

Time for Jorge to get it going.

I think tonight’s home plate ump has called a good game. That usually means he’ll miss about two pitches per at bat for the rest of the game.

Thielbar should be ready soon and there will need to be a spot for Mahle, so Moran is pitching to stay on the roster IMHO.

Plenty of velo for Archer, but he seems to be on the verge of losing command every fifth inning.