Karbo

Too early to tell. History shows us some rough to start 3b that worked hard and became good to very good defensive 3b, so lets see what he can do. From all reports he works hard and takes coaching well, all good signs for the chance to improve. They certainly need his bat in the lineup, so give him a chance!

I would wait a couple months and see how he does. The injuries are a concern, but as good as he was last year would be a bet worth taking, if he looks as good thru maybe May?

IMO, Long reliever can be someone who can go at least 2 innings, maybe 3. I think Ober would be a perfect fit. They could have confidence in putting him in even in a somewhat close game, and he could become the 6th starter when needed. I've thought for the last couple years his stuff would play very well out of the pen. Who knows, he could even end up in a setup role.

I'm pulling for Polo. He has been one of the best and most consistent player for the team for a few years now. Losing him for any length of time could very well lead to a horrible outcome. Think last Sept.

I agree. Never count out a team managed by Francona. IMHO, only injuries will slow them.

I wonder if they would try Julian there if he hits well this spring?

With the new rules Jeffers could be a liability behind the plate due to his poor success rate against base stealers. That must be improved or most singles will turn into doubles, and most walks will be at 2nd.

AAA is the right place to start this spring. Make sure he is the real deal before moving others to make space.

Year 2 will tell us a lot. See how how he fairs defensively at 3rd given more opportunities.

Only time will tell. The new schedule will probably be a little tougher since you lose out on some games against Detroit and KC, 2 teams that should be beaten. The new rules will also effect the way the game is played. Can Rocco and the Twins successfully evolve with them? Starting pitching looks to be much better, but again can or will Rocco adjust and take advantage?

I would hope the starters can go an inning or 2 deeper so we don't have to use 4 or more guys a game.

I agree. Either the Twins need to modify "the plan" or improve the pen. I got so tired of watching later inning games get washed away by a porous pen last year. I salute the expected improvement at starter, but the fact they did basically nothing to help the pen could lead to problems unless Rocco lets these guys go an inning or 2 deeper. Using 4 pen guys a game will negate any advantage the starters give us IMO.

Not a fan of the new "M" logo on the caps. Looks plain and boring IMO. Why did they spend so much to replace the TC logo that has been the mark of the Twins for over 60 years?

Interesting take. Of course the big unknown is injuries, not just Twins, but the other teams they face, could be a big decider here.

Francona in Cleveland is always a threat. He knows how to get the most out of his guys.

Hate the new logo on the cap!

I sure hope Mahle stays healthy this year. Would like to see Twins extend him.

Imho Ober should start in the pen up here vs starting at AAA. Its been done many times over the years with success, Think Liriano or Santana. I'm just not sure he can hold up to 180 IP per year and I think that's what should be expected out of a starter. He could still make spot starts or plug into the rotation if injuries cause an opening.

We can expect Gray will miss time, as he has most of his career. Reports say nothing structural in Mahles shoulder so maybe more conditioning? I believe moving Ober to the pen would allow him better health, as that is a problem for him. Between Varland & SWR there are 2 guys that could plug in if needed. Buxton has had the worst luck with injuries, so maybe, just maybe his luck will change. I expect a good year for Maeda as so many players in their walk year seem to impress.

I would rather see Ober than Megill.

I'm the boss. LOL like Pohlad!

Can't argue with any of the players on this list. As a Twins fan since the beginning, I have to say we have had some truly great players come thru over the years!

If I was running the FO I would tell the team its a make or break year. From Falvey on down your jobs are in danger if you don't win this year.

I am very interested to see how Rocco handles the staff this year. Last year the bullpen was overused, mostly because of 2 guys that had a hard time getting thru the 5th, but also partly due to the "3 times thru the lineup" decisions Rocco made.

Manfred Man rule is the worst rule change ever! I could go for it maybe in the 12th or 13th inning, but even then it stinks! They want to tinker with rules bring in the electronic strike zone.