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He also has a lot of value as part of future Twins teams. And I question the common belief that the Twins have an abundance of corner outfielders. We have Larnach and Kirilloff with the Twins. Both are going to be great hitters, however, Kirilloff is better suited to first base. Who after this pair is both very good and in the high minors? Really no one. Maybe Wallner will make it to the Twins, but he is a couple years away. So I don't see the Twins having excess talent and no one anywhere near as good as Max defensively. Like others, if someone blows you away with an offer you gotta consider it. But I prefer to believe that with good coaching Max can solve one or both of his problems and become a very good hitter.

Watched Balazovic for a couple innings. Sure seems like a different pitcher than anyone else I see watching minor league games, well everyone except Winder. Seems to have plenty of velo and hitters just seem to have a problem putting the barrel on the ball. Was good seeing Javier with another hit last night. I understand he isn't going to go from several years of struggling to an All-Star in one season, but is great seeing him have some success with the bat. Also great seeing Urbina and A. Pena both with two hits. Time to tune in tonight to see if Winder can match Jordan's performance. Took a look at Balazovic's innings and saw that with his late start he is now at 44 innings for the season. Seven or eight starts at 6 or 7 innings should have him pushing up towards 100 innings. Expect a few more starts for Wichita before finishing out the year in St. Paul. Don't think it is likely he gets a callup to the Twins, but then one never knows.

I was planning on making this same comment, Mike. This team has a total lack of fundamentals. It would be disappointing if a Little League team made a lot of the mistakes this team makes. And solving that begins throughout the system as these kids are working their way towards the Twins. And it is addressed every year in spring training, at least that should be time for teaching basics. And you also mentioned lack of fire in this team. Where is Eddie when we need him, eh?

First, I want them to keep Berrios here long-term. He together with one of or both Winder/Balazovic just might make one heck of a top 3 two years from now. With that said, none of us know what the Twins strategy is regarding Berrios. Maybe they intend to do everything they can to extend him this winter. In that case, when calls come in inquiring it makes sense for them to ask for a top return. Heck, if they plan on moving him it makes sense to open the discussion asking for the moon. No way you are ever going to get a better than fair return if you don't ask for it. And if their intent is trying to keep him and someone pays their high price, then they have a decision to make...but a good one.

I remain hopeful they will get both extended between now and next year's spring training. Want this duo to remain Twins more so than any other two players on their roster. As for specific deals, none of us have a clue what that would look like should it happen. That's why I will sit back, come here several times a day looking for news for the next ten days.

Appreciate these reports, Seth, especially the information on the young kids playing in the DSL. Looks like the biggest names from last year's class are off to good starts. Watched most of Balazovic's game that earned him POW. He dominated that game, much like I have seen Winder do in several outings for Wichita. I really believe that this duo is special with a very good chance that both become at least solid #3's, with a chance of one becoming a #1 or even a legit ACE. If the Twins can figure out a way to keep Berrios, the Twins just may have a strong 1-2-3 come 2023. I know you had a wonderful interview with Rooker last winter. And he seems to be following his normal MO, cool start to the season before raking come summer. See the box score in the Strib every day and it appears he is striking out less. Is that so? We don't know if Cruz will get traded in the next ten days, but if he does do you see Rooker sliding into the Twins DH role most of the time? Do you believe he will be successful as their DH? Valdez and Rosario sure seem like nice prospects in the FCL. And Pena's .348 week was a huge drop off. Will be interesting watching this trio and the kids playing in the DSL to see if there are a couple from this group who will help the Twins four to six years from now. Any idea when we will start getting information on kids from this year's draft getting signed? Was watching Bezos blast off into space while typing this, Seth. Blastoff went well, they got to 62 miles and he just landed safely in the circle as planned. Amazing!

Love the possibility of a kid from D-II Concordia making it to the Twins. Never have been a fan of Vallimont. Liked the deal when they made it as they were getting something for Diaz who likely would be gone in the Rule 5. Never got excited about his potential. Maybe the walks, maybe the to frequent so-so to bad games, but have always felt that having him in any Top 20 was too optimistic. Gore, love his story and hope like heck that he makes it.

Will Sano have a full time spot in ten days after Cruz is traded? Certainly understand getting Kirilloff lots of innings at first base to see if that is where he fits best in the future. But agree that Sano has to have reasonable playing time to have any chance of getting out of his 'funk.' I guess the highlight of this week will be seeing how Jax and Ober do in their starts. Decent starts would add some hope for both in 2022 and beyond. Really seems to me that Smeltzer and Thorpe's run with the Twins may be coming to an end. I know that Thorpe got moved to the IL, but don't remember the injury. Was it so serious to put him out for most of the year?

Interesting article in today's Strib about Berrios. After reading the headline and beginning, where it seemed going to free agency was a done deal, it went on to say he was open to discussing a deal...but it would have to be at what is perceived as market rate. But if the Twins were to trade him to the Yankees, no one could be off limits in the return. So if you want to talk about Jose, Dominguez must be part of the package. If not, hang up the phone. As for Buxton, got a feeling he is going to be signing a long term contract with the Twins sometime this week. So that leaves Pineda returning to NY as the lone option.

Thanks for the comments above, Seth, explaining your thoughts on the Hamilton situation. I had been thinking they may wait until September callups, but realize the rules have changed on that also. First glance was again at the Kernels box score to see Javier with a 3-6 night. FANTASTIC! There is still a chance he can become that big time shortstop the Twins haven't had seemingly forever. Also nice to see Urbina with two hits, including a double. Also exciting was the nice game Gross had. Seems he just keeps going out and doing his job.

Question, Seth. Any information available on which draft picks have signed?

I really like Whitefield and must admit I didn't know a lot about Contreras. If his defense is as good as you indicate, does he have a future with the Twins? Was surprised that you mention that Bechtold's "calling card was his bat." I always that that he was thought to be a top defender at third and that was the strongest part of his game? Looking at the clock above this article ticking down to the trade deadline, there may be lots of openings in a bit over 12 days...at least I hope there will.

Thanks, Cody. Have always thought that Polanco can and should be a part of future winning Twins teams. Don't know how you pencil he and Arraez into the lineup as Luis also belongs on those teams. Maybe Arraez stays as that super-sub who plays nearly every day with some days at DH once Cruz is no longer around.

This was Moran's first game for the Saints, right? Considering he got 5 of his 8 outs by strikeout, what a way to get started at AAA. The K's are certainly there. This kid has what it takes to be good for the Twins, doesn't he? Saw that Javier had only one hit (1-4), but it was a big home run. Gotta keep this young man hitting. And A. Pena had his second consecutive game without multiple hits, going 1-3 with a double in the FCL. Awhile ago, Seth mentioned that he was signed as a 16-year old for around $200,000, so he must have been a mid-level prospect. Sure having a good start to baseball in the U.S.

Very interesting Jeremy, thanks. Agree that the Brewers aren't a great trading partner, except. And that exception could be a fit for the Twins to move Donaldson. The Brewers aren't a big spending club so the Twins are gonna have to eat some of that salary. How much and how long is what this negotiation would be about. Expect that by taking back most of this year's $$$ and some from the future, the Twins could get back one of those catchers, probably someone not higher than A ball. But that would be good because they will have three guys battling for playing time next year and this would add depth for the next group coming up. The best news, however, is this would open a spot for Miranda to take that final step. And as said by someone in today's Minor League Report...."Free Miranda"

BREAKING NEWS---BREAKING NEWS---BREAKING NEWS Alexander Pena did not have 2 or more hits yesterday for the FCL Twins. He did get one (1-4), dropping his batting average all the way down to .500. Also checked Cedar Rapids and saw Javier had another 0-5. Come on Wander, the Twins need you at shortstop in 2023. Did see that Miranda did get two hits and agree with today's first comment above. Could the Twins possibly move Donaldson over the next two weeks and open a spot for this young man? Or with only a week or whatever at AAA, is it too soon?

Interesting question, Mike, and very interesting response. Problem is what is meant by "most faith?" Was there more to the discussion earlier? I would agree as to who has the highest ceiling? On the other hand I think Winder may be more likely to reach his ceiling which is also very high. Hopefully, both can stay healthy and we find out in two years. Personally, I think both can/will be in the front half of the Twins rotation in two to three years (#1-#3). When watching both several times at Wichita this year, and that last game for Winder at St. Paul, they just appear to me to be on a different level than all the other pitchers I have seen on MiLB these past couple months.

Unbelievable how this thread reads. Yes, there is a quote from Rosenthal that mentions $70M. By mid-thread, many were talking about a 7 year deal for $70M +. No where has it been stated as 7 years except here, we just don't know. The good news, at least for me, is that they are talking and trying to work something out over the coming week or two. Extending him would be fantastic news, for whatever years.

Thanks, Seth. The more I read the more I really like this pick. Considering he was taken in the first round out of high school and his brother the third round out of college, have to believe he is viewed as a better prospect than his brother, right? His brother made it to the Indians in what, three years? Although I understand that starting from high school he should be expected to take longer than three years, but four or certainly five shouldn't be unexpected?

Will agree with the above that I don't see the need, or desire to add someone like Rogers to enhance a Cruz trade. Cruz just might make the difference for a team like the A's and they may decide to overpay. If they don't, I doubt they get him and he is their best option for a DH rental.

Yes, Nick, six very interesting questions. I hope they answer several before this year ends.

Watched Wichita through Balazovic's fourth inning, but it was getting late following the rain delay so I turned it off. All I can say about what I saw was WOW! But the Tulsa pitcher was also dealing, although he got into trouble in the bottom of the fourth after I turned it off. Great seeing Balazovic throw like we all prayed he would. Unlike many of you, I have no problem with him staying in Wichita for at least a few more starts. Then bring him up to St. Paul for the last month of the season. Daily check of Javier found he was 1-4, so he got on base in a game with few hits after an 0-5 night. Saw lots of talk about Garver's three hit night and Cave's big catch. But Miranda had another three hit night which is flat out amazing how well this kid is hitting after the move up to AAA. Will be amazed if doesn't have a very successful career, hopefully most/all of it with the Twins. Checked the FCL box score and saw that Pena had an off game, 2-4, and his batting average dropped. At first it was just a couple games that he was hitting like this. But now it is getting to a couple weeks. Kid has to have a cool streak, but sure has been an unbelievable start for this young man. Gotta wonder what playing time is going to be like for this team once they sign 20 draft picks with most of them in Fort Myers?

Lots of comments about the Twins making lots of trades over the next two weeks. I agree that we are likely to see some trades. I suspect, however, that the number of trades is going to be less than most expect...although there may be a big one. For that reason, I suspect many of us are going to be both surprised and disappointed come August 1.

Cruz is probably the top bat available for a team in the hunt needing one. A bat that could make a huge difference to team X. All the Twins need is two teams to want that bat and one of them to fall in love with the idea of penciling him into their lineup down the stretch. Many bad trades have been made every year. Will one benefit the Twins this year? Probably not, but you never know until it happens.

Just did some digging, Seth. Assuming the article about salaries being raised throughout the minor leagues was accurate, the minimum salary for a player on the 40-man while on option to the minors is $46,000 this year. So expect that fact might mean a meaningful raise for Barnes.