KBJ1

First base has been a gaping hole for years, in the traditional sense. Kiriloff finally showed potential to change that, but has been sidelined the last two years. Arraez & Miranda are NOT, were not 1B material. Their inexperience at the position showed often and a high average, low power guy is not what a team needs at 1B. Solano as a backup/platoon was an extremely wise move. He hits 300 against LHP, what's not to love? Leave Miranda at 3rd and Gallo in left. The only other guy I'd like to see developed there right now would be Julien. Seems he doesnt really have another position he excels at to begin with, so he may as well learn 1B.

Not an exciting signing, but given that Lewis is out and Kiriloff is unknown it makes sense. Last year was a disaster with all kinds of waiver wire pickups starting games and people playing out of position. We needed someone who can play 1B and it shouldn't be Miranda or Gallo or Arraez.

Too many "IF's" to project much of anything. 1) The starting rotation & the Bullpen should be better, but I'm not sold on either of the Lopez'es yet. 2) Buxton's health. Will this be the year?????? 3) 1B - likely the key position in the lineup for this team. Last year we didn't have anyone who could even play the position. (Frankly we havent had anyone since Morneua) Kiriloff having a healthy breakout year will be Hugh. 4) the gaping hole in LF since Rosario was let go. At least Gallo can play defense, but if he hits 200 with 150K's , it will.still be a gaping hole. 5) Health Ĺots to be excited about, including some recovering players & prospects, but synergy is what this team needs most to happen. Can Rocco do it is the question?

Miranda had a lot of growing pains last year at 1B. There is little system depth at1B. A healthy Kiriloff at 1B will be absolutely key to this offense. I still think a veteran backup would be useful. If this team has a complete turnaround in health, they have a chance to be very good.

Judging from the recent success of Miranda & Lewis, Salas looks right on schedule. 2 years ago Lewis was looking like a failed prospect and no one even had Miranda on the radar. Last year Lewis looked like a budding Superstar (until the idiots played him out of position) and Miranda has proven he belongs. Maybe we will be saying Louis who in a couple of years? Martin needs to get it in gear this year.

We all hope Kiriloff has that breakout season. That said I wouldn't have been against a Hosmer or Gurriel signing if there was room on the 40 man roster.

I think his slider, when thrown well, is unhittable. His high fastball also has a lot of movement. Just needs to be disguised a little better. Certainly better than Pagan.

It seems to me that Gordon would be the obvious choice. Even if he is DH. He has speed and BA. I'm sure he can learn to take more pitches and walks.

The only reason I tolerate the Gallo signing is that he is a plus defender. If there is a chance that we could turn him into a 250 hitter with fewer K's & power, great. But we tried that with Sano and.......

I called out loudly last year for picking up a veteran 1B when we had a gaping hole at that position. Now that Kiriloff seems healthy & Miranda can hopefully learn to be at least a passable first baseman (he wasn't last year, but not his fault. The team was not prepared nor managed properly last year and continually played people out of position. Lewis = exhibit A.) We shouldn't spend a ton of money on someone like Gurriel. That said a veteran presence would be valuable and perhaps critical if Kiriloff goes down. There seems to be no one in the minor league system at 1B

I ĺike Gordon for his speed & versatility. He developed consistency at the plate last year as well. Farmer was a stop gap accusation when Correa opted out and until Lewis returns. Farmer is needed as backup to 3B & SS while Gordon can cover 2B and OF. Arraez is the odd man out due to his lack of fielding ability. When/if Lewis, Martin, Cellistino push their way up, the likes of Farmer, Gordon, Gallo can be addressed. In lieu of an Ace starter falling into our lap (doubtful) we need to pursue a high leverage reliever, pray Kiriloff becomes great at 1B & and turn Gallo into an actual hitter with power We just don't have anyone in the pipeline who can play LF with speed, power & consistent contact iE: 275 batting average. Say what you will about Eddie Rosario, but LF has been a gaping hole since he left.

You are absolutely nuts! Did you see Royce Lewis play last year? The Twins were so excited by his numbers they desperately tried to get him in the lineup. In doing so, they played him out of position and may possibly destroyed his career! He has the potential to be a superstar & is worth far more than Arraez will ever be! I wouldn't trade anyone for Lopez or any mid level starter at this point. Arraez & Kepler + a prospect for a top notch starter - you bet! Arraez is fun to watch with a bat in his hand, but is a one tool player with no power, no speed, weak defense and bad knees. He is not Tony Gwynn & a 313 batting title doesn't compare at all to Aaron Judge 312 Ave AND 60 HR.

I have always said trade Arraez. Especially now when his value is highest! An excellent and fun to watch hitter, but that is as far as his skillset goes. No power, no speed, weak defense and bad knees make him a one tool player without a position other than DH. I wouldn't trade him for Lopez or any middle rotation talent. In a fair package for a top flite starter is what we should ask for.

The analytics are at times useful in identifying trends or potential talent, but running every game on numbers will give you exactly average for your level of "statistical talent". Teams that get hot, go on a run to the world series are the ones who develop synergy, play above their heads and most importantly believe they can win. 1980 hockey gold medal anyone?? Of you looked only at analytics, they shouldn't even have bothered to play. But Herb Brooks worked them into supreme physical condition, got them to buy into being on Team USA, not just some player on loan from college and developed a sum far greater than its.parts. Thank God the "shift" Is gone. Play the game as it is meant to be played and go with your gut Instinct and the hot hand now and again. Jack Morris pitching the 10th inning in a game 7 was an extreme gut instinct move, especially when you have a proven stud in Aguilera available to close. But it worked, it was destiny, and they won. I guarantee you if TK had taken Morris out at any point earlier in that game, they would have lost Leave the starting pitcher who is going well in. Get a set lineup for batting and stick with it until it doesn't produce. When you know who is batting in front and behind you, you will learn every nuance and what they will likely do with every pitch in every situation. Like Cousins & JJ or any great QB /WR combo, each will know what the other is thinking and therefore do. Stick another WR in JJ spot (pick any hall of famer) and you won't get the same results. Even though "analytics " say his #'s are better, they never will be.

We needed a RH OF with speed & power, not another lefty with a worse WAR than Kepler. This makes zero sense. Maybe we can get something for him when we becomes "sellers" next July. Waste.