HerbieFan

Agree with you Cody in that Sands makes the most sense to move to the bullpen now. It'd be interesting to see how much velo he could gain and how he'd fair as a 2-pitch, or maybe 3-pitch bullpen guy.

I think the path is pretty clear for 2023. He's headed to St. Paul as a starter. Any more injury or production issues and he moves permanently to the bullpen to see if that's a better role for him....both in terms of health and the success he does or does not have.

Guessing hes a guy they'll DFA before opening day, hope he clears waivers and then send him to St.Paul to be ready for the two-way shuttle to Target Field.

Geez, nailed it Cody. Cavaco was a reach when they took him, but to be fair drafting high school players is a complete crap shoot. I'll be most disappointed if Balazovic doesn't get it straightened out...the organization has enough organizational depth of position players. Pitching though....there just is never enough. Balazovic returning to pre-2022 form would be a big boost.

I like the Manfred Man rule....but starting in the 12th inning, NOT the 10th.

100% agree Ted. The present is exciting. The future is exciting. If there are injuries, there are high-upside young guys to fill in and for us to follow. No more JA Happ, Matt Shoemaker, Dylan Bundy, Chris Archers necessary...the SP depth now has some upside and is young. With Vazquez, Correa, Buxton up the middle and then add in guys like Kepler and Gallo in the outfield, the defense should be very good, so that'll help the pitching. It's not perfect. There is no "ace". Miranda is still a little unproven though he could also be a star. First base is a little unclear if Kiriloff's wrist issue persists. But I can't wait for the season.

Ahhh...another fun trip down memory lane. Guy was SO underrated due to his record. Dude was a horse for several years.

Gurriel? :)

So...the rotation in St.Paul could include SWR, Ober, Varland, Winder, Balazovic, with Henriquez and Sands in the bullpen? I love it...should be a good AAA rotation. Why are some in such a hurry to turn Ober or Winder into a bullpen arm? Let 'em start at AAA until someone is needed. They both had really good moments as starters last year. Let's let them prove they are not major league starters before moving them to the pen. If I'm being honest, I don't hate the idea of starting the year with Larnach and Kiriloff at AAA either. Let them prove health, get 5 plate appearances every day and bring them up when someone gets hurt or they just mash to the point you HAVE to bring them back. Celestino is gonna be in AAA all year IMO. And I'm with most who seem to think that's best for him.

I might get blasted here, but I thought the Arraez/Lopez trade was good for the Twins...partly b/c of the prospects added by Miami. Partly b/c of the average-at-best defense at 2B and 3B/lack of power/problematic knees, etc.. But I think it's pretty obvious that if the Twins are ever going to have an "ace" they are going to have to develop him. They aren't going to, probably rightfully so, spend top dollar on a FA. They also, probably rightfully so, aren't likely to ship out half their farm system in a trade for one. To me, that's where the pressure is on Falvine.....Derek, find us our Shane Bieber! Or our Frank Viola. Or Johan Santana.....

This is a great premise Matt. Free agency is pretty much wrapped up. Kind of a "dead time" so the timing is perfect. Can only read so much speculation on FAs/trades, etc. :)

Geez, a series like this could be a lot of fun for this 55 year old. Larry Hisle? How about Dave Goltz and is 72 complete games from '75-79?? Butch Wynegar? John Castino? Allen Anderson? Jeff Reardon? Rick Aguilera?....I could go on....

Agree on all counts Matthew

Need WAY more emphasis on fundamentals. If TK ws eren't still with us he'd be rolling over in his grave watching the Twins in 2022.

Seems like a low-risk way of potentially adding a solid starter....so, why not?