AlwaysinModeration

I think I speak for everyone here when I say: Yes.

Agreed that they should be willing to spend that $1.2mm overage. What’s strange to me about it is that, let’s say, they had a slightly higher pick, or an extra comp pick, totaling $1.2mm. I can’t imagine them having any problem spending that amount. That overage should just be considered a part of their pool, in my opinion.

Ok, I concede that saying it was a 20% chance of a wild throw (which includes, mostly, deflecting off of Buxton; it almost happened on that play) is probably too high. But I still think there was 10% or less chance that he is thrown out. Gallo threw the ball 94.7mph, it bounced once and was caught literally on Buxton’s side, and even with all that, he still was out by only a fraction. (To me, if the ump calls him safe, there isn’t enough evidence to overturn it.) That was a highly unlikely out. I agree the risk of ending the inning was a huge downside, and I also agree that the advantage gained was small. But let’s say that the throw is six inches to the left, hits Buxton’s shoulder, he scores, and they go up 3-1, and go on to win the game. It was the same decision. Would you be harping about his awful decision then, or would you be applauding his aggressive play? I’m still not arguing he made the right decision. I’m just saying it wasn’t as clearcut as you contend.

I can see that you feel strongly that it was the wrong decision, and I respect that. However, I don’t think it’s as clearcut as you say. There were three possible outcomes: a) thrown out safe c) safe, ball gets away Figuring out the likelihood of each is what you have to figure out. Just speculation, but my guess is: 10/70/20 So 10% chance the inning ends, 70% chance of a run score, runner on 3rd, and 20% chance of two runs scoring. Then you also have to figure out what percentage of the time he would score from third with two outs when he wouldn’t have scored from second; wild pitch or infield hit. I know the rule don’t make the third out at third. I just don’t think the decision was as definitively poor as you say. The percentages could make it pretty close.

Buxton is safe at third 9 times out of 10 on that play...but it cost them the winning run, unfortunately. Incredible throw, bounced right into the glove on his shoulder. Good play and incredibly lucky were the only way it results in a double play with no run scoring.

You forgot to mention that Rodney’s relief appearance was to preserve a 2-0 lead, which was provided by a Brian Dozier two-run homer. The Nats are 27-11 since May 23, in the NL wild card spot and only 6 back of Atlanta. Any dreams of trading for Scherzer (who struck out 11 and stole a base yesterday) are looooong gone.

That was a wild game. Did not expect the Twins to win that one. Was also surprised they overturned that tag at second base, though he got in there.

Quantity over quality?

I THINK WE SHOULD PANIC!!1!

While it’s kind of crazy that there are 20+ people running for the democratic nomination, it is refreshing. No one is a forgone conclusion. It’s a wide-open race, and the diversity and overall quality of the field is quite impressive.

What a crazy system.

I only watched the second debate. I was extremely impressed by Harris throughout the debate, not just on the exchange with Biden, and the moment where she silenced the bickering children with her line about “America doesn’t want a food fight”, but consistently throughout. (She also quieted the bickering candidates and moderators when she said “as the only black person on stage, allow me to address that.”) She struck me a smart, poised, experienced, personable and charismatic. She connected in a way no one else on stage did, from my vantage point, as I watched. I was pleased to see that view was pretty universally shared in the post-debate coverage. Her polling numbers have doubled in some early post-debate polls. To me she looks like an extremely strong candidate. (Biden and Bernie look like they are past their expiration date.). My question is this: why is “her prosecutorial record” viewed as baggage that is going to hurt her? Obviously I need to (and will be forced to) learn more about some of the potentially distasteful and/or objectionable hard stances she took as AG. However, as a candidate from a liberal state with very progressive policy stances, it seems to me like having a tough as nails background should be a positive. “Prosecuting the case against Trump” and being extremely tough can only help her. Coupled with the fact that she immediately had social media fake account bots taking birtherism “she’s not really black” shots at her (during the debate, retweeted by Don Jr!), makes me think she is a formidable candidate - who is going to win.

Between Duran, Cavaco and Balazovic, some serious upside. No idea what the future holds for any of them, but hopefully a) it is with the Twins and all three of them reach close to their potential.

I really like a number of the no name guys from this years group.

Nice to see Lewis warming up. Hope Allen puts up a string of scoreless innings.

Although my proposal included two MI. How about instead: Brusdar/Javier/Jeffers/Enlow (Or Smeltzer) Or Brusdar/Duran/Arraez/Wade I think it would be possible to get Thor without giving up Lewis or Kirilloff. The Twins system is quite deep, and if you come up with 4 players who are top to mid, I would have to think it would be a pretty attractive package. I don’t think this would get it done, but what about a package of players who have already debuted with the Twins? Romero/Arraez/Smeltzer/Tortuga/Wade

I would do the first trade you propose, Andrew, but not either of the second or third, due to the inclusion of Balazovic. I’d do the jimbo offer (Brusdar/Larnach/Thorpe/Gordon), but that would probably be the most painful. Here’s one more suggestion: Brusdar/Javier/Gordon/Enlow.

This is how to pronounce it, obviously: https://mobile.twitter.com/morsecode/status/1131316768750727168 However, like I said, skip the rolled r. The ae combination is Spanish is pronounced ah-ay, and the z is usually pronounced as a “ess” sound or at least a softer z. I think the best way to phonetically learn how to pronounce it, for a non-native speaker (which I am not), is: ah—RAH—ess.

Twins went 6-7 while Buxton was out. They need him!

I just looked over Gordon and Arraez minor league stats. It seems pretty clear that Arraez is the better bet now and going forward. He may be slower, worse defensively, have a weaker arm, and maybe have a bit less power. However, Arraez hits for a great average, has a great eye (seriously, elite K:BB rates, that may actually get better), and is 1.5 years younger than Gordon. He missed essentially all of 2017–otherwise, I think he would have been much higher on lists going forward. He doesn’t hit for much power, but I think he may improve in that regard as he gets into his mid-20s. Gordon has his #5 pick and family pedigree going for him, and I think that has helped his rankings. I understand tools are important for young players, but I just think Arraez can REALLY hit, and as they say, “the bat plays.” The Twins have really got someone who can really potentially be special. By the way, is it just me, or is it kind of grating to hear Bremer (and Bert, to a bit lesser degree) pronounce Arraez’ name every at bat? Instead of making it sounds like “arise” I think he should try to make it a three syllable word, using an “s” sound instead of a “z” (and forget about trying to add in the rolled r, it’s not worth it). Using Torreyes as the starting point may help mentally to think of how to pronounce it. If it was spelled Arayes, I think the announcers would have an easier time with it.

Wade got two ABs; HBP on the first pitch of his career (then got picked off/caught stealing), in his second AB, hit a sinking line diver to center that Tilson made a diving snow-cone catch on (still not sure it didn’t touch the ground). In the seventh, with two men on, he was pinch-hit for Nelson Cruz, who walked. If I’m the kid, I’m kind of disappointed with the game...but still probably on could nine.

I was kind of going Gibson could pick up the cheap win, and that Wade would get a key hit in the winning rally.

The season by tens: 6-4 7-3 6-4 6-4 9-1 6-4 7-3 5-5 Came thaaaaaat close to keeping the streak alive. Time to start another ten today, with Jose on the mound.

I’m still driving the Gonsalves bandwagon. A lot of people have jumped off over the past year, but I think you are bailing way too quick. He’s got a very impressive track record, marred by one down year (and now, injury). If you look at all the top pitchers in the game, you will find bad years. When he comes back, he’s going to start posting great numbers again. Still hoping he cracks the 2020 rotation, with high hopes that he is a real contributor.

Wait, this wasn’t a Randball Stu post?