GeorgiaBaller

@Brock Beauchamp---thanks---I am a little thick headed at this point in the winter, my HBPM still low and starting to come out of hibernation in my buildup to Spring Training 🥱!

What is Polanco's barrel rate? His bat has always had a good sound and pop from early on. His swing trajectory looks like middle to top half (like Mauer's was) for line drives. It seems like many outs he makes he has hit solidly and he is 5ft away from being a doubles machine.

Thats one of the most confusing articles I have read. Maybe I understand a little more now why Kepler is always a trade target---he seems to be outside the circle. Ballplayers are very cliquey, so if this is reflective of his relationship with guys on the team and they cut him out so quickly, it shows he's not a part of things--even when he is there.

The Twins follow the Tampa Bay model---except the Rays have better prospects to fill the holes on a consistent basis (ie a better scouting organization). Bullpen arms are expendable and have to be moved on a regular basis----and retooled midway through the season as the heavy workers early are usually not as effective late in the season and into the playoffs . Every successful playoff team does that. Maybe this year will be different, but the feeder organization from the minors has not been filled with high upside players and not developed the talent well. Twins also need to identify and cut loose players that have a bent toward regular injury. Some guys are just not durable---every player in the majors can talk to you about 3 guys each they knew that was an unbelievable talent, but couldn't keep it together and stay on the field so they never made it. Makes me very concerned about Royce Lewis, Kirillof, Larnach and their future in the org. Developing pitching has been a big blindspot that the Twins have not been able to solve at all for a decade. Until that gets figured out, they cannot be a team that competes in the playoffs. I am pleased to see the team shore up Defense this off season---3rd and 1st remain the unproven spots right now---we will have to see who is healthy and how much Miranda developed his glove and range in the off-season.

@dxpavelka if you saw Harry Potter, MS Sano is "the name that cannot be spoken" in my book. If Joey Gallo's Strikeout Machine is still running, at least he is durable, shows up for work, and is top tier LF'r. MS was none of the above and not mature enough to take care of his training regimen to keep off the extra weight. Hopefully the tracks have been torn out that lead to and from that stop!

@Mike Sixel "Larnach was an average defender last year. No one ran on him. He positioned well. That said, I expect him to be the DH many days" We will have to agree to disagree. Larnach has a great arm, he has long legs/strides, but he is neither quick nor fast. He's very stiff when he plays. RF balls off are slicing away toward the line or cutting toward centerfield on gap hits. He doesn't make those plays and has to play so deep because of his lack of speed that balls drop in front of him. 25 years ago, the Majors were still right hand dominated, so Right Field saw minor action in the course of a game. You used to be able to stash a Dave Kingman, Jeff Burroughs, Willie Stargill out there and be OK. Not today in a left hand heavy league. Just my opinion, but I think Larnach is serviceable in right, but its like Polanco playing short or Garlick in Left. it would work for a few games against a heavy right side of the plate lineup---but he can't man the fort there regularly.

I'm not sure you gain anything with Profar. He isn't a step up from Kepler (a Kepler trade should be a step up) and isn't any more of a splits threat at the plate than Gordon. I have to believe that Gordon has put the work in this offseason to markedly enhance his OF skills---the pedigree of his family will push that expectation, His brother is a great positional mentor. Gordon was ascending at the plate still at the end of the season----before the entire team took a nosedive the last month. I would rather have Guriel on a short term than Profar. Ther's reason Padres would let him move on---as did Texas. Only Guriel back to his pre-last -year form raises the water level for the team.

It's mid January---so Spring Training is in 60 days, right? can we get an injury/health update on Kirilloff and Larnach? If the Twins love Kirilloff, they are not in on the Guriel talks---my feeling is he must still be hampered by the wrist. If he is healthy, he is 1B. If not, this is too much of a lingering issue and its time to move on. Larnach cannot play right---he is too stiff and would be a monster downgrade in RF in a lefty heavy MLB now. if Larnach is healthy---he is the best fit for DH, but he has struggled a good part of last year at the plate after looking good the year before. I think he is a smart enough hitter to figure out the adjustments the league made to his approach last year and he has power. But still----what is his health looking like? DH will be a rotating spot without a Nelson Cruz. It is mentally hard to stay engaged without playing in the field, so it's an acquired talent not all players can have. Most good hitters would sturuggle with only seeing action every few innings----it's a very mature mindset.

@USAFChief--thank you. We should not be apologists for a team that continually uses excuses---and we should not try to "fit" players into roles. They have to FORCE their way onto the field. "Well, we don't have anyone better right now" is an indictment of the Twins FO and the Mgr. There is not a professional, high level expectation to perform. It is improved by having a field general at SS in CC that raises the bar---but the bar should be set by the Mgr and the organization. We don't not get interest from players in FA because of the weather, we don't get interest because there is not a driving expectation to win in the organization right now---and that is played out in lackluster performance in the infield--including the mound. And left field, to be fair. Raise the bar. Bench guys that are slouches (thought we would never cut the cord with SANO) or not performing well. Leadership starts at the top and that is something this organization has been "tepid" in doing for years. As I have said in this forum before---the Twins are going to have to EARN back my viewership, ticket buying and support. They play boring baseball, are predictable and uninspired. I'll check in at the end of June to see how the club is playing. otherwise---there is plenty high quality baseball on the MLB package---which is where I will be spending my summer.

I'm with you on most of this---6 yrs is a respectable contract length, not the ridiculous 10-12. He does a lot to gel the core of the team and make the Latin players feel more at home in the TC's. However, I am not following you here: Correa completely changes the outlook of the current roster, especially considering the Twins are much deeper in pitching talent than they were on Opening Day in 2022. ?? If you mean several injured pitchers coming back from substantial medical procedures that we are HOPING will be OK on the mound...........I guess I can follow your reasoning.

In my opinion--you take the best players you can and plug them in to make your team. You don't pass on better players because it may create obstacles in the pipeline. Everyone can't stay on the field, but whomever gets beat out---does not play! You can't build a team and slot in prospects before they have made it to the bigs and can force their way onto the field. Is Miranda better than Royce Lewis (moved to) 3rd or Arraez at 1B? You don't move him to the outfield! From my point of view, Kirilloff and Larnach are damaged goods until they can prove they are durable enough to stay in a lineup. If young guys/prospects come up and beat out a Vet, trade the Vet. The only way to have a really good team is to have competition for positions. You don't prove yourself in the minors, you only get a chance to play in the Bigs---and then you need to bump someone out. Isn't that what Spring Training is for? Play yourself into the position and play someone else out. In the end, cut out the footsie and accommodation--you put the best players on the field Holding spots for "prospects" and "stopping up the pipeline" has no place in the conversation at the Twins level----unless---Royce Lewis is equal to or better than CC. If he is, then LET'S GO! If not, I think names like A-Rod, Trevor Storey and others have changed positions before.

More poor plays and bandaids from a front office who needs to add iron to their diet. Anemic. When attendance and revenues were down last year, this is what the answer is? And in what world is a faltering Gallo any upgrade from Kepler? The amazing thing is, fans and sportswriters alike continue to make excuses and say “this is a hard market to bring in talent because of the climate”. Did you ever think this is a hard market to bring anyone into because they don’t want to play with a weak roster and end up at the bottom Of the division? Falvine is a feeble FO who has a boring game approach and fields a feeble roster. And a manager who should be a bench coach. But there are always golden prospects, right? Eye-roll.

Swanson is a solid gold glover and his last 2 yrs at the plate square up with anyone. He's developed a lot. But--i like him low to mid 20's for 7-8 yrs. If he wants to sign with the Cubs for 10 and squander his prime in a black hole with a terrible front office---let him go. Oh, was I going on about the Cubs or the Twins there.....hmmmm How many knee injuries has Lewis had now? does he still have the speed when he comes back? I think he's a stud, but just like Kirilloff and Larnach, he can't be counted on until he can prove he can stay on the field. Our best player is absent from class most of the season, too. Swanson is durable, no injury history really and has good range. he can help cover for spotty play at 3rd now. Sorry all, I'm just really disappointed---like most of you---at this swiss cheese lineup. moldy cheese at that. We are @ 30% on trades---@squirrel is way off on his analysis of that topic. So, i would rather sign a few free agents. if we get close to the season with no more signings, do me a favor, trade Bux so he doesn't have to stay through this mess--i like him--and we might get something for him.

Wow--although I have been a huge advocate for signing CC, 13 yrs is just irresponsible----and its really bad for all of baseball. The combo of talent, clutch play, HEALTHY and LEADERSHIP was just really integral to the Twins success. Lewis is a big ????? from a reliability standpoint. Unfortunately, that applies to Kirriloff, Larnach and Buxton too. There's not much of a base here that show up for work every day now--and no firebrand to lead. I'm not up for signing Swanson---he is a nice player but overvalued in this market--he should stay with the Braves. The only chance to bring in a difference maker is on the mound now---but we need 2. Looks like another 3rd or 4th place year. I will go enjoy the weather at the park a few games this year, but it looks like MLB package subscription to enjoy the good BB I enjoy watching.

I see two problems here. First and foremost, your entire premise is built on "if's". Arraez, Polanco and Gordon are the only of your starting lineup position players that can be counted on to start more than 40% of the games. Your starting pitching rotation is ALL questions marks and what if's. When Sonny Gray, who has a stout history of in season injuries in his MLB career, is your sure thing---you are aiming to make a damn by pitching pebbles. It can happen, but rarely does. Second problem is the style of ball the Twins front office has engineered that last several years. Please go listen to the replay of Alan Hahn describing the problem with the Yankees this year. He was spot on! Its the same serial formula that has kept the Twins from winning any playoff games in the last decade. Fans love a good homerun, but they are bored to tears with strikeouts!, and scripted pitching changes, and poor starter outings...... I LOVE BASEBALL. TWINS are my team, but they can't win playing this style of ball. 100 wins in a season means 0 if you can't win in the playoffs. The Phils figured it out this year like the Braves and Rays did the last several. You have to have a smart front office (do we have one?) to retool during the season and manage/play situationally. Let's see if the NEW POLAD is as patient with decreasing attendance. This will be my first year to skip Twins Spring Training, April, May and June. I'll buy the MLB package and watch some good baseball in other markets this year and see how things are going in July!

I love Trey Mancini’s story, but he is challenged in the field and inconsistent at the plate at this point. Now if he were a pitcher, coming off injury and illness, a great history for a few year stretch in the past, and maybe reclaims that all star form with another year to build his comeback——-he would be a Twin next season for sure!!! Lets stop cruising for those diamonds off the bargain lot and pick up a clean, low mileage, 2-3 yr old vehicle or two! Pay attention to injury history and steer clear—let’s go for solid and not reclamation projects. I will give the FO credit for something—they dumped that $DogDonaldson finally. They dropped the smartest guy in the room act and finally cut their losses! Addition by subtraction cutting the line with Sano, too!

It amazes me to see the casual regard that comes with the approach to Arraez. "A 25 yr old with bad knees". For an organization that frothed over a slob like Sano who did not care about being on the field and was constantly hurt, along with being a liability at first base, you saw the opposite from Arraez. He drastically improved at first and will get lots of off season work---he will come into camp as a solid 1st baseman. And he fought to get on the field every game he could. He costs a fraction of what they were giving MS---and yet he is constantly brushed over as an avg player because he doesn't hit 20 HR's. Urshela is not a bad ballplayer. I would rather start Miranda at 3rd, but Gio is pretty solid. is he worth 9 mil? hmmm. The consideration here is that the twins still do not have a SS, Catcher, #1 starter or a Left Fielder. You can't win in the playoffs without a solid defensive left fielder---that's not Garlick, Larnach, or Kirrilof---but maybe Ben Gordon if he gets the reps in the offseason he needs in the OF. He's the only athletic option with a good arm. Arcala and Theilbar are no brainers to sign. The other guys are pretty much..meh..... for the $ and injury history. But since the twins like to shop the over 100K mile used car lot, they will sign at least one, and that one will be in the repair shop as much as he is out driving. Quit buying junkers to fix up, the shed is already full. If the twins overspend, go pay a bundle of money to the South American and Carribean scouts in the Astros, Reds and/or Rays organization. The future of baseball playing in front of us now is from Cuba, DR, and the lower Americas. The eyes that are in place for the Twins do not regularly deliver. The academies exist so the structure is there, but you need some better eyes. You can't be more than a flash in the pan with trying to hit the Free Agent jackpot, and there is a reason guys keep jumping teams year to year. But there has to be some FA signings in the mix---just no deals over 6 yrs, please. I finally felt like this team had a little fire and some identity with Correa this season. There was a higher standard and a drive to excel around him that doesn't find its way to Okey Doke-Sota sports often. I sure enjoyed seeing a little killer in the attitude for a year-- I sure hope I can see that again sometime in the next 5

One of the biggest factors you are losing at SS with Correa is his leadership. Someone to be out front, encouraging and working with the other guys, and being a field general. Bringing some heart to the team. The clubhouse has been rudderless since Torrii Hunter. Maybe Royce Lewis can be that big personality when he finally gets back. He is dynamic, but if he cannot stay on the field, nothing else matters. He may be an injury prone player like Kirrilloff and Larnach---he is going to have to prove otherwise BEFORE you can plan to build around him. The Twins are fun because they are hometown, but they are a long way from the the caliber of teams you see in the playoffs right now. It is hard to get excited about them for next year until they fill the gaps on the mound, behind the plate, at SS, and to commit to a regular LF'r. too much to do to believe they are more than a 3rd place team next year.

With the new pitch clock coming, Sonny Gray's walk rate will definitely be up. I am not sure if he or Pagan take longer on average to deliver---but I get a few naps in and don't miss a thing.

As your summary brought out, this team should own their own medical facility. I am amazed at how long it takes players to come back from pretty minor ailments----but none the less, the list is long. To be fair, with the constant lineup juggle for days off and injuries, Rocco has done about as well as anyone could have with the MASH crew this year. Can he add value to improve them when he has a healthy roster? That's more the area of my concern. I don't see him optimizing the talent or the game management---but what do I know. Built for October? The playoffs are made for pitching..........hmmmm.....maybe the team should just stay at home.

Who has been the biggest surprise this year? Flash Gordon establishing his bat and ability to play left, or Jose Miranda at the plate?

@Blyleven2011, i'm right there with you. Backstop is a defensive position first and foremost. To get + fielding and + hitting in one player is very rare--in fact, Mauer, Posey, Molina, Bench, Fisk, Yeager----all HOF's who could do both. They are monumental and in today's world---far beyond what the twins would pay for a FA. Concentrate on the defense and tolerate the offense. With new MLB rules, especially if a pitch clock is coming, catcher is very important to control the pace of the game while keeping pitchers calm. The larger bases and limiting the number of step-offs is meant to encourage more steals, too. I don't think Jeffers is terrible, but you can certainly see he doesn't command the field from behind the plate and Sanchez's arm really exposed how less than average Jeffers' arm is. Plus, he is a big and tall guy--they tend to have back and lower body problems more than shorter catchers. I think he is fine, but he should have to compete for his spot every year and really is a backup caliber catcher.

I agree that Ryan was a good trade. I don't think he is ever a #1, but that's just fine. As I have ommented before--he tends to throw a really flat ball from a low body release which stays on plane pretty much. That makes his pitches very easy to track. He compensated for that early in the year by going high, low, in, out per batter---a very Verlander approach. Either by frustration or tired arm, he started missing his spots halfways through the season---and probably started overthrowing some to try and compensate. His velo is not a problem, its currently placement and location, and spotting his non fastballs so they eat the corners instead of the middle of the plate waiting for a fork. My biggest concern is the Twins have not developed pitchers well. Ryan is still young. He needs to find a good mentor to work with this off-season. I'm not sure that person is on the Twins Staff. He is definitely worth the work. As for pitching overall, the FO needs to acknowledge their blindspot and bring in an eye from the Marlins, Guardians or Rays to help them see pitching talent better and set a development program/plan in place. A few hard throwing relievers are great, but the Twins cannot devlop starters now---and really never have other than Radke, Santana and Berrios. Berrios would have been a strong #1 with better coaching in the bigs.

Thanks for the ... info--I never noticed before!

sorry---all the typo's make my last post almost un-readable!