Otto von Ballpark

Target Field is getting winterized; TC Bear is ready to hibernate; the Twins Daily community is reviewing 2022, previewing 2023, and looking for sources of non-Twins baseball discussion to fill the void.
@wsnydes asks, How did your preseason win prediction go? Were you one of the "lucky" folks who predicted 78 wins? If so, are you satisfied with yourself now? Next season, please try to use your prognostication powers for good, not evil mediocrity!
Don't care to look back? You're not alone. @Danchat is ready to look ahead at 40 Man Roster Management For 2023. Woods Richardson was already the "big name" addition, in more ways than one, but there are likely to be more.
Also looking ahead, @mikelink45 shares My questions for next season. Do you have any answers? The Twins front office may randomly select one answer to try. If your answer is selected, you could win a Drew Maggi MLB game-used bat!
In the minor league forum, @DJL44 shares the story of Doug Deeds, a former Twins farmhand reflecting on the difficult decision of When to hang it up. If only Deeds could have once played in an injury-ravaged organization like the 2022 Twins, he may have made a MLB appearance.
Finally, for those Twins fans not ready to hang it up for 2022, you can discuss all of the playoff action with fellow bitter, jaded fans in The 2022 MLB Postseason Thread from @cHawk.
What storyline are you following in the postseason, or in the Twins hot stove offseason? Share it in the forums!

Target Field is getting winterized; TC Bear is ready to hibernate; the Twins Daily community is reviewing 2022, previewing 2023, and looking for sources of non-Twins baseball discussion to fill the void.
@wsnydes asks, How did your preseason win prediction go? Were you one of the "lucky" folks who predicted 78 wins? If so, are you satisfied with yourself now? Next season, please try to use your prognostication powers for good, not evil mediocrity!
Don't care to look back? You're not alone. @Danchat is ready to look ahead at 40 Man Roster Management For 2023. Woods Richardson was already the "big name" addition, in more ways than one, but there are likely to be more.
Also looking ahead, @mikelink45 shares My questions for next season. Do you have any answers? The Twins front office may randomly select one answer to try. If your answer is selected, you could win a Drew Maggi MLB game-used bat!
In the minor league forum, @DJL44 shares the story of Doug Deeds, a former Twins farmhand reflecting on the difficult decision of When to hang it up. If only Deeds could have once played in an injury-ravaged organization like the 2022 Twins, he may have made a MLB appearance.
Finally, for those Twins fans not ready to hang it up for 2022, you can discuss all of the playoff action with fellow bitter, jaded fans in The 2022 MLB Postseason Thread from @cHawk.
What storyline are you following in the postseason, or in the Twins hot stove offseason? Share it in the forums!

Re-live the last moments of optimism from a week ago, lovingly preserved in Hanging by a thread. @Number3 captured a moment in time when it was still possible for the Twins to get back in the race, just before Cleveland cut our last thread of hope.
But they can never cut our forum threads! Like how @PopRiveter wants to witness the battle of Arraez vs Evil -my last remaining reason to care. The whole world is watching Aaron Judge but can our own La Regadera ("The Sprinker") spoil his triple crown?
The Twins and Yankees not only share batting title competitors, they also share starting pitcher trade deadline disasters, as chronicled by @Brandon in Montas or Mahle, Which pitcher helped his new team the least? Unfortunately, that may be where the Twins and Yankees similarities end, as New York has been preparing for the postseason, while the well-seasoned Twins have been cooking on a post over a Cuyahoga River fire.
If you don't care to look backward or suffer the present, look to the future with @cHawk at the 2023 Rotation. There are plenty of arms to consider -- two arms per pitcher, in fact.
Over in the Other Baseball forum, @Vanimal46 is still thinking about baseball while watching football in Take Notes, MLB. What would you like to see MLB adopt from NFL broadcasts? If you said "illegal formation penalties," I've got good news for you!
Finally, the ballclub may be struggling, but the Minnesota Twins have finally become masters of their own domain. @Rosterman reports how a pair of real-life twins are likely celebrating a financial windfall as Twins.com finds a new home.
Would you have sold Twins.com? Or would you have dedicated it to Taylor and Tyler Rogers? Share your ideas in the forums.

Re-live the last moments of optimism from a week ago, lovingly preserved in Hanging by a thread. @Number3 captured a moment in time when it was still possible for the Twins to get back in the race, just before Cleveland cut our last thread of hope.
But they can never cut our forum threads! Like how @PopRiveter wants to witness the battle of Arraez vs Evil -my last remaining reason to care. The whole world is watching Aaron Judge but can our own La Regadera ("The Sprinker") spoil his triple crown?
The Twins and Yankees not only share batting title competitors, they also share starting pitcher trade deadline disasters, as chronicled by @Brandon in Montas or Mahle, Which pitcher helped his new team the least? Unfortunately, that may be where the Twins and Yankees similarities end, as New York has been preparing for the postseason, while the well-seasoned Twins have been cooking on a post over a Cuyahoga River fire.
If you don't care to look backward or suffer the present, look to the future with @cHawk at the 2023 Rotation. There are plenty of arms to consider -- two arms per pitcher, in fact.
Over in the Other Baseball forum, @Vanimal46 is still thinking about baseball while watching football in Take Notes, MLB. What would you like to see MLB adopt from NFL broadcasts? If you said "illegal formation penalties," I've got good news for you!
Finally, the ballclub may be struggling, but the Minnesota Twins have finally become masters of their own domain. @Rosterman reports how a pair of real-life twins are likely celebrating a financial windfall as Twins.com finds a new home.
Would you have sold Twins.com? Or would you have dedicated it to Taylor and Tyler Rogers? Share your ideas in the forums.

Re-live the last moments of optimism from a week ago, lovingly preserved in Hanging by a thread. @Number3 captured a moment in time when it was still possible for the Twins to get back in the race, just before Cleveland cut our last thread of hope.
But they can never cut our forum threads! Like how @PopRiveter wants to witness the battle of Arraez vs Evil -my last remaining reason to care. The whole world is watching Aaron Judge but can our own La Regadera ("The Sprinker") spoil his triple crown?
The Twins and Yankees not only share batting title competitors, they also share starting pitcher trade deadline disasters, as chronicled by @Brandon in Montas or Mahle, Which pitcher helped his new team the least? Unfortunately, that may be where the Twins and Yankees similarities end, as New York has been preparing for the postseason, while the well-seasoned Twins have been cooking on a post over a Cuyahoga River fire.
If you don't care to look backward or suffer the present, look to the future with @cHawk at the 2023 Rotation. There are plenty of arms to consider -- two arms per pitcher, in fact.
Over in the Other Baseball forum, @Vanimal46 is still thinking about baseball while watching football in Take Notes, MLB. What would you like to see MLB adopt from NFL broadcasts? If you said "illegal formation penalties," I've got good news for you!
Finally, the ballclub may be struggling, but the Minnesota Twins have finally become masters of their own domain. @Rosterman reports how a pair of real-life twins are likely celebrating a financial windfall as Twins.com finds a new home.
Would you have sold Twins.com? Or would you have dedicated it to Taylor and Tyler Rogers? Share your ideas in the forums.

Playoffs?1, trade grades, stadium snacks, and intelligence (or lack thereof) were all topics of discussion in the community this week.
@Trov leads off with If Twins do not at minimum split with Yankees, should we even care if we make playoffs? Looks like Trov's calendar for October just opened up. Although if you give the Twins a +2 game handicap, perhaps we could consider it a split?
Second question goes to @alexlegge: Mahle for Steer/Hajjar/Encarnacion-Strand - How did the Twins blow this one so badly?? Okay, that sounds rhetorical, so I don't think we have to answer it. But Mahle rhymes with Bally so the Twins should have seen this coming.
Next question: Is the Twins Pipe lined with ice or sludge? asks @Game7-91. Are those the only two options? Hey, Culligan Man! We may need to hire you as our scouting director.
The final question this week comes from @mikelink45: Is Rocco really middle management? Next time you call Target Field to complain about a short start, perhaps you should ask to speak to Baldelli's supervisor.
@strumdatjag reports there are No Vendors working the aisles at Target Field anymore. To fill that void, Twins Daily should volunteer to host those vendors in our forum. Instead of walking between rows, they could instead appear between our posts, maybe in the form of banners -- wait, nevermind!
Over in the Other Baseball forum, @CRF shares news of likely Rule changes for 2023. I think my favorite might be the pitch glock, although moderns pitchers hardly need another weapon at their disposal.
Finally, @ashbury demonstrates intelligence by leading a discussion of Baseball IQ.
Is your Baseball IQ high? Or are you just high? Either way, share your knowledge in the forums.

Community topics include forecasting, reflection, the dulcet tones of former Twins, the best ballparks to visit before you die, and the worst ballpark to visit while you are dying.
Last Friday, @Thiéres Rabelo asked the community for their opinions on Rocco Baldelli's future; the Twins skipper responded by helming 5 consecutive victories. Who would we like to see in Thiéres' crystal ball this week?
Instead of the future, @mikelink45 looks to the past, specifically Correa and the SS market from last offseason. Maybe Correa hasn't been the super-duper-star we hoped, but he's still ahead of his free agent competition. If he opts out, will the same hold true next year?
What do you listen to during Twins games -- the TV broadcast, or the radio? @peterb18 isn't thrilled about the Twins color announcers, specifically the Justin Morneau and Glen Perkins back-and-forth, aka the "metronome from the Metrodome." Has anyone tried listening to the Twins Daily Game Thread with text-to-speech instead?
Rumor has it that @Monkeypaws wished upon their namesake artifact last year, that our Twins wouldn't lose in the postseason again in 2021. Avoiding a curse in the minor league forum this week, they provide an update on the lesser-known players involved in a notable deadline deal from four years ago: Escobar for Duran, Maciel, De La Trinidad. As good as Duran has been, he may never be achieve a first- last-name basis with Nicolas Cage.
Finally, ballpark connoisseur @Riverbrian, fresh off documenting an 18-day American odyssey in the Sports Bar (now with photos!), kicks off a lively discussion of Baseball Stadium Rankings. What's your favorite ballpark, and why is it the Metrodome?
Share your stadium take or pennant race prediction in the forums!

Community topics include forecasting, reflection, the dulcet tones of former Twins, the best ballparks to visit before you die, and the worst ballpark to visit while you are dying.
Last Friday, @Thiéres Rabelo asked the community for their opinions on Rocco Baldelli's future; the Twins skipper responded by helming 5 consecutive victories. Who would we like to see in Thiéres' crystal ball this week?
Instead of the future, @mikelink45 looks to the past, specifically Correa and the SS market from last offseason. Maybe Correa hasn't been the super-duper-star we hoped, but he's still ahead of his free agent competition. If he opts out, will the same hold true next year?
What do you listen to during Twins games -- the TV broadcast, or the radio? @peterb18 isn't thrilled about the Twins color announcers, specifically the Justin Morneau and Glen Perkins back-and-forth, aka the "metronome from the Metrodome." Has anyone tried listening to the Twins Daily Game Thread with text-to-speech instead?
Rumor has it that @Monkeypaws wished upon their namesake artifact last year, that our Twins wouldn't lose in the postseason again in 2021. Avoiding a curse in the minor league forum this week, they provide an update on the lesser-known players involved in a notable deadline deal from four years ago: Escobar for Duran, Maciel, De La Trinidad. As good as Duran has been, he may never be achieve a first- last-name basis with Nicolas Cage.
Finally, ballpark connoisseur @Riverbrian, fresh off documenting an 18-day American odyssey in the Sports Bar (now with photos!), kicks off a lively discussion of Baseball Stadium Rankings. What's your favorite ballpark, and why is it the Metrodome?
Share your stadium take or pennant race prediction in the forums!

Starters going deeper, bullpen consistency, good health, and matching leather outfits were just a few of the community suggestions intended to boost the Twins' chances.
Despite a 9-0 win, @Battle ur tail off sensed trouble in paradise: Sonny Gray not too happy with Rocco... While Rocco's relationship with Sonny may be frayed, winning cures everything, right?
@Brock Beauchamp advocates for a breakup -- not between Rocco and Sonny, but between Sonny's rotation mates Dylan and Chris. Baldelli needs to break up Bundy and Archer from pitching back-to-back games, to spare the bullpen from overuse.
Twins relievers dominated the Royals all week with 13.1 shutout innings. We should enjoy it while it lasts according to @Trov, because The unpredictability of relief pitching means it may not last, as evidenced by some current and former Twins.
Did you know that, in addition to their real-world roster, the 2022 Twins could have fielded an entire additional roster of injured players? @Game7-91 plays the part of Orpheus, seeking the return of the underworld Twins from Injured List Hades.
Can the 2022 Twins play deep into October and even into November? At least some minor league Twins will, in the Arizona Fall League. @Seth Stohs kicks off the speculation about Who will the Twins Send to the AFL? The list could include some 2023 major leaguers.
Do you remember 1987? @Brushback101 does. Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" ruled the airwaves, and nothing stopped our Dome Warriors on their way to a World Series title. Can the current club find some of that 1987 Miracle Juice We Need? A complicating factor is that the league tests players for "miracle juice" now.
What's the Twins' missing ingredient -- or have they already found it? Share your recipe in the forums.

Starters going deeper, bullpen consistency, good health, and matching leather outfits were just a few of the community suggestions intended to boost the Twins' chances.
Despite a 9-0 win, @Battle ur tail off sensed trouble in paradise: Sonny Gray not too happy with Rocco... While Rocco's relationship with Sonny may be frayed, winning cures everything, right?
@Brock Beauchamp advocates for a breakup -- not between Rocco and Sonny, but between Sonny's rotation mates Dylan and Chris. Baldelli needs to break up Bundy and Archer from pitching back-to-back games, to spare the bullpen from overuse.
Twins relievers dominated the Royals all week with 13.1 shutout innings. We should enjoy it while it lasts according to @Trov, because The unpredictability of relief pitching means it may not last, as evidenced by some current and former Twins.
Did you know that, in addition to their real-world roster, the 2022 Twins could have fielded an entire additional roster of injured players? @Game7-91 plays the part of Orpheus, seeking the return of the underworld Twins from Injured List Hades.
Can the 2022 Twins play deep into October and even into November? At least some minor league Twins will, in the Arizona Fall League. @Seth Stohs kicks off the speculation about Who will the Twins Send to the AFL? The list could include some 2023 major leaguers.
Do you remember 1987? @Brushback101 does. Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" ruled the airwaves, and nothing stopped our Dome Warriors on their way to a World Series title. Can the current club find some of that 1987 Miracle Juice We Need? A complicating factor is that the league tests players for "miracle juice" now.
What's the Twins' missing ingredient -- or have they already found it? Share your recipe in the forums.

Starters going deeper, bullpen consistency, good health, and matching leather outfits were just a few of the community suggestions intended to boost the Twins' chances.
Despite a 9-0 win, @Battle ur tail off sensed trouble in paradise: Sonny Gray not too happy with Rocco... While Rocco's relationship with Sonny may be frayed, winning cures everything, right?
@Brock Beauchamp advocates for a breakup -- not between Rocco and Sonny, but between Sonny's rotation mates Dylan and Chris. Baldelli needs to break up Bundy and Archer from pitching back-to-back games, to spare the bullpen from overuse.
Twins relievers dominated the Royals all week with 13.1 shutout innings. We should enjoy it while it lasts according to @Trov, because The unpredictability of relief pitching means it may not last, as evidenced by some current and former Twins.
Did you know that, in addition to their real-world roster, the 2022 Twins could have fielded an entire additional roster of injured players? @Game7-91 plays the part of Orpheus, seeking the return of the underworld Twins from Injured List Hades.
Can the 2022 Twins play deep into October and even into November? At least some minor league Twins will, in the Arizona Fall League. @Seth Stohs kicks off the speculation about Who will the Twins Send to the AFL? The list could include some 2023 major leaguers.
Do you remember 1987? @Brushback101 does. Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" ruled the airwaves, and nothing stopped our Dome Warriors on their way to a World Series title. Can the current club find some of that 1987 Miracle Juice We Need? A complicating factor is that the league tests players for "miracle juice" now.
What's the Twins' missing ingredient -- or have they already found it? Share your recipe in the forums.

Community members face the choice of putting on a happy face, or the gloomy mask of tragedy. Either way, almost two months of regular season baseball remains to be played in a close division race, so it's hardly "Bye Bye, Birdie" for baseball talk.
@killebrewlover serenades us with that old meteorologist's torch song, This season's forecast. Darkening clouds. Stormy weather ahead. "Don't know why there's no sun up in the sky, stormy weather / Since my team and first place ain't together, keeps raining all of the time..."
@strumdatjag observes the quiet end of a Twins career in Crickets for Sano. Or perhaps, like Mulan, these are good-luck crickets, and Miguel can return for the Twins postseason run he's been destined to lead since 2009? The Twins have previously benefitted from piranhas and goats -- could an insect be next?
Not all is negative: @PseudoSABR shares a FanGraphs article that suggests we received excellent value for What the Twins gave up in terms of prospects at the deadline. Mahle, Fulmer, López, and even Sandy León have already contributed to Twins victories. In fact, León's nickname is apparently "Noah" -- could he help the Twins survive this storm?
@bwillly suggests a potential new role for an under-the-radar Twins contributor: Could Smeltzer be a long reliever? Devin is still starting for St. Paul, but it's only a matter of time before the Twins need his innings again, either in the rotation or the bullpen.
In the minor league forum, @ScottyB kicked off a discussion of This Winter’s Rule 5 Draft. Which players on the farm have earned a 40-man spot after the season? Could any of them help even sooner, as major league reinforcements for the Twins stretch drive?
Lastly, when I find myself in times of Twins trouble, the Other Baseball forum can be a source of levity; but alas, not today. @Steve71 looks around the league and concludes that MLB is Broken. But other than that, how was the pennant race, Mrs. Lincoln?
Whether you're feeling cross and bitterish, or thinking of banana split and licorice, share it in the forums!

Community members face the choice of putting on a happy face, or the gloomy mask of tragedy. Either way, almost two months of regular season baseball remains to be played in a close division race, so it's hardly "Bye Bye, Birdie" for baseball talk.
@killebrewlover serenades us with that old meteorologist's torch song, This season's forecast. Darkening clouds. Stormy weather ahead. "Don't know why there's no sun up in the sky, stormy weather / Since my team and first place ain't together, keeps raining all of the time..."
@strumdatjag observes the quiet end of a Twins career in Crickets for Sano. Or perhaps, like Mulan, these are good-luck crickets, and Miguel can return for the Twins postseason run he's been destined to lead since 2009? The Twins have previously benefitted from piranhas and goats -- could an insect be next?
Not all is negative: @PseudoSABR shares a FanGraphs article that suggests we received excellent value for What the Twins gave up in terms of prospects at the deadline. Mahle, Fulmer, López, and even Sandy León have already contributed to Twins victories. In fact, León's nickname is apparently "Noah" -- could he help the Twins survive this storm?
@bwillly suggests a potential new role for an under-the-radar Twins contributor: Could Smeltzer be a long reliever? Devin is still starting for St. Paul, but it's only a matter of time before the Twins need his innings again, either in the rotation or the bullpen.
In the minor league forum, @ScottyB kicked off a discussion of This Winter’s Rule 5 Draft. Which players on the farm have earned a 40-man spot after the season? Could any of them help even sooner, as major league reinforcements for the Twins stretch drive?
Lastly, when I find myself in times of Twins trouble, the Other Baseball forum can be a source of levity; but alas, not today. @Steve71 looks around the league and concludes that MLB is Broken. But other than that, how was the pennant race, Mrs. Lincoln?
Whether you're feeling cross and bitterish, or thinking of banana split and licorice, share it in the forums!

Looking past the week's breaking news and transactions, the community provided some analysis and thought-provoking questions about what's next for our Twins.
It took many centuries of human evolution for hecklers to perfect their rhymes; fortunately, the evolution of fan opinion is much faster. Witness My evolving opinion on where the Twins stand by @Mike Sixel, taking a measured approach to the trade deadline and reassessing in its aftermath.
The new pitchers join an impressive group of batters (not broken ladders). @Rosterman ponders the optimal arrangement of our offensive riches in What Should Be The Twins Perfect Line-up? Just about any arrangement looks good when you have the third best offense in the American League.
In addition to new pitchers, we also added a new catcher in Sandy Leon, although starter Gary Sánchez isn't a belly scratcher either: @Brock Beauchamp reports that the pending free agent is starting to grow roots in Minnesota by creating a scholarship for local minorities.
While the trade deadline has passed, the Twins may not be done remaking their pitching staff. @strumdatjag wants an update on potential internal upgrades in What is Current Status of Maeda and Alcala? Kenta has playoff relief experience, and not long ago Jorge was our most promising bullpen arm, so they could still be significant contributors.
Finally, @Hosken Bombo Disco honors Vin Scully, 1927-2022. The legendary announcer's influence reached far beyond the Dodgers, as Scully called Bob Allison's catch in the 1965 World Series, the national radio broadcast of Gene Larkin's hit to end the 1991 World Series, and many more iconic moments.
What iconic moments are still in store for the 2022 Twins? Share your take or ask your question in the forums.

Many in the community believe the Twins need to add at least Tres Hombres to their pitching staff, and with the Tuesday August 2 trade deadline looming, speculation is growing about who they will be and how much they will cost.
The Reds have a couple starting pitchers of interest: Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle. @Brock Beauchamp shares a Trade Rumor: Twins more Interested in Reds' Mahle than Castillo that suggests the Twins are going after the cheaper sunglasses.
Also from Brock: Jesus Just Left Chicago, but some MLB observers apparently can't, as Rosenthal writes that Rival Official Predicts White Sox Runaway Division Winners. Looking at their .500 record and major roster holes, though, and I suspect the White Sox would need to acquire an Afterburner (or two) in trade just to make that outcome possible.
Rosenthal might soon write that Juan Just Left Washington, and while the Twins likely don't need to add a major bat, @Doctor Gast points out that Juan Soto might distract enough of the top teams to present trade opportunities for our Twins.
After the obvious pitching needs, wanting a backup catcher ain't askin' for much, and @ashbury takes us downtown (Milwaukee) to find one: Trade Rumor: Pedro Severino, anyone?
It sure would be nice for the Twins to play Eliminator rather than eliminated for a change. @jorgenswest asks Is there value in winning a playoff round? and under the new wild-card system, a few trade acquisitions could make the Twins a favorite to advance beyond the first series.
Byron Buxton used to be known more for his Legs than his bat, but he's become our top power threat. @stringer bell asks who finishes Runner up on the team in homers, and some of the late entrants in the race might surprise you.
Finally, @Tlaker has their eyes on a Sharp-Dressed Man in the league office: Theo Epstein….. future commish. Rob Manfred for Epstein -- now there's a trade proposal everyone can agree with!
Found a new rumor, or want to start one? You too can share it in the Twins Daily forums.

Many in the community believe the Twins need to add at least Tres Hombres to their pitching staff, and with the Tuesday August 2 trade deadline looming, speculation is growing about who they will be and how much they will cost.
The Reds have a couple starting pitchers of interest: Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle. @Brock Beauchamp shares a Trade Rumor: Twins more Interested in Reds' Mahle than Castillo that suggests the Twins are going after the cheaper sunglasses.
Also from Brock: Jesus Just Left Chicago, but some MLB observers apparently can't, as Rosenthal writes that Rival Official Predicts White Sox Runaway Division Winners. Looking at their .500 record and major roster holes, though, and I suspect the White Sox would need to acquire an Afterburner (or two) in trade just to make that outcome possible.
Rosenthal might soon write that Juan Just Left Washington, and while the Twins likely don't need to add a major bat, @Doctor Gast points out that Juan Soto might distract enough of the top teams to present trade opportunities for our Twins.
After the obvious pitching needs, wanting a backup catcher ain't askin' for much, and @ashbury takes us downtown (Milwaukee) to find one: Trade Rumor: Pedro Severino, anyone?
It sure would be nice for the Twins to play Eliminator rather than eliminated for a change. @jorgenswest asks Is there value in winning a playoff round? and under the new wild-card system, a few trade acquisitions could make the Twins a favorite to advance beyond the first series.
Byron Buxton used to be known more for his Legs than his bat, but he's become our top power threat. @stringer bell asks who finishes Runner up on the team in homers, and some of the late entrants in the race might surprise you.
Finally, @Tlaker has their eyes on a Sharp-Dressed Man in the league office: Theo Epstein….. future commish. Rob Manfred for Epstein -- now there's a trade proposal everyone can agree with!
Found a new rumor, or want to start one? You too can share it in the Twins Daily forums.

Many in the community believe the Twins need to add at least Tres Hombres to their pitching staff, and with the Tuesday August 2 trade deadline looming, speculation is growing about who they will be and how much they will cost.
The Reds have a couple starting pitchers of interest: Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle. @Brock Beauchamp shares a Trade Rumor: Twins more Interested in Reds' Mahle than Castillo that suggests the Twins are going after the cheaper sunglasses.
Also from Brock: Jesus Just Left Chicago, but some MLB observers apparently can't, as Rosenthal writes that Rival Official Predicts White Sox Runaway Division Winners. Looking at their .500 record and major roster holes, though, and I suspect the White Sox would need to acquire an Afterburner (or two) in trade just to make that outcome possible.
Rosenthal might soon write that Juan Just Left Washington, and while the Twins likely don't need to add a major bat, @Doctor Gast points out that Juan Soto might distract enough of the top teams to present trade opportunities for our Twins.
After the obvious pitching needs, wanting a backup catcher ain't askin' for much, and @ashbury takes us downtown (Milwaukee) to find one: Trade Rumor: Pedro Severino, anyone?
It sure would be nice for the Twins to play Eliminator rather than eliminated for a change. @jorgenswest asks Is there value in winning a playoff round? and under the new wild-card system, a few trade acquisitions could make the Twins a favorite to advance beyond the first series.
Byron Buxton used to be known more for his Legs than his bat, but he's become our top power threat. @stringer bell asks who finishes Runner up on the team in homers, and some of the late entrants in the race might surprise you.
Finally, @Tlaker has their eyes on a Sharp-Dressed Man in the league office: Theo Epstein….. future commish. Rob Manfred for Epstein -- now there's a trade proposal everyone can agree with!
Found a new rumor, or want to start one? You too can share it in the Twins Daily forums.

While most of the Twins rested after a challenging series with the White Sox, Twins Daily staff created a whole new section for sharing and discussing trade rumors ahead of the August 2nd trade deadline. Other roster and philosophical questions rounded out the week's activity.
@Nick Nelson helped kick off the trade rumor machine with a proposal: A Hypothetical Twins Trade for Luis Castillo from The Athletic. Everyone knows the Twins need pitching; would you pay this price?
@RedneckRay imagines a more piratical trade in Could the Twins Pull off a Mega-Deal with the A's? Oakland does have trade chips at starting pitcher, relief pitcher, and catcher, but we wouldn't be the only ones looking to plunder the A's roster.
Moving up the standings, the Red Sox are just 1.5 games behind the Twins but likely won't have the luxury of a division title if they fall short of a wild card. @Loosey identifies a good starting pitcher on an expiring contract as an Under the Radar Trade Target if Boston decides to sell.
Most fans would say it is unimaginable that the first-place Twins would decline to upgrade their roster by trade. @mikelink45 tries to imagine an alternate path to success in What if we don't trade.
Minnesota children love snow days in winter, but @Vanimal46 isn't sure how to feel about a Sanó day this summer: Sunday is decision day for Sano. What will the Twins do? The return of Miguel Sanó from the injured list could be just like a trade; the question is, would it be a good trade or a bad one?
Finally, blurring the line between good and bad, @Trov asks Is the Point of MLB Teams to Win, or Entertain? Ideally you'd like to do both, but in the absence of the former, can a team still celebrate Butch Huskey and induct him into its (Outfield) Wall of Fame?
Share your take or trade idea -- good, bad, or just entertaining -- in the forums.

Bullpen discussion and trade talk are present, as usual, but the community is starting to approach those topics from new angles.
Regret about the Rogers trade has subsided, according to @Jack Griffin's Checking back in with a former standout Twins reliever. It is natural to feel bad for Taylor, but also okay to feel good about putting that narrative to rest for awhile!
Looking ahead, how can the Twins improve through trade? @Rosterman may have found a good team to target in Let's Trade with the Rockies, even if the specific suggestion of this team trading for Alex Colomé seems like a cruel joke.
But sometimes the best addition comes from within, or so the saying goes, and our onetime ace starter might be that guy, says @chpettit19 in Maeda to the pen? Kenta filled that role before for the Dodgers quite well.
The Twins may also eschew the usual prospects-for-veterans trades due to their rather crowded MLB position player roster. @jorgenswestidentifies our starting third baseman as one such superfluous piece in Is there a home for Gio Urshela?
Finally, taking a break from big league worries, @DocBauer takes a tour through the organization’s backstops in our minor league forum: Catching Up With The Twins Milb Catchers. With the upcoming MLB draft, the minor league forum should provide even more illuminating discussion.
Thoughts on relievers, trades, draft picks, or anything else Twins? Share them with the community in the forums!

Bullpen discussion and trade talk are present, as usual, but the community is starting to approach those topics from new angles.
Regret about the Rogers trade has subsided, according to @Jack Griffin's Checking back in with a former standout Twins reliever. It is natural to feel bad for Taylor, but also okay to feel good about putting that narrative to rest for awhile!
Looking ahead, how can the Twins improve through trade? @Rosterman may have found a good team to target in Let's Trade with the Rockies, even if the specific suggestion of this team trading for Alex Colomé seems like a cruel joke.
But sometimes the best addition comes from within, or so the saying goes, and our onetime ace starter might be that guy, says @chpettit19 in Maeda to the pen? Kenta filled that role before for the Dodgers quite well.
The Twins may also eschew the usual prospects-for-veterans trades due to their rather crowded MLB position player roster. @jorgenswestidentifies our starting third baseman as one such superfluous piece in Is there a home for Gio Urshela?
Finally, taking a break from big league worries, @DocBauer takes a tour through the organization’s backstops in our minor league forum: Catching Up With The Twins Milb Catchers. With the upcoming MLB draft, the minor league forum should provide even more illuminating discussion.
Thoughts on relievers, trades, draft picks, or anything else Twins? Share them with the community in the forums!

Pitching plans, predictions, and roster upgrades were among the topics of discussion as the season entered its second half.
Looking back to look forward, @Game7-91 solicits your First Half Surprises, Second Half Predictions. The community seems surprised at the quality of the starting rotation, and predicts they will ride that to a division win. So far, so good!
How have the Twins achieved this rotation success? @Riverbrian may have found the answer in an article about the Rays: Power Starters, Middle Relief Aces, oh my - how the Twins could manage their pitching. But will the relievers hold up their end of the bargain?
Of course, the start of the second half means it is also trade season. @Mill1634 wants to know Your (hypothetical) trade deadline moves? A few bullpen additions seem likely, although questions remain. Do they go big, or get creative?
Perhaps the only weak spot in the lineup is behind the plate, as @MMMordabito looks at Ryan Jeffers' Place Among AL Catchers. Could this be an area to upgrade? Or is Jeffers good enough to win at a tough position?
Finally, @Trov asks How long before you give up on a player? An evergreen baseball question, even if the best answer is a Rickroll.
Roll into the forums to share your ideas for the Twins!

Bullpen questions and suggestions are hot topics, of course, but some hitters are still rolling and trade season is starting to heat up too, so there is plenty to discuss.
Using players we already have, @RaoulDuke tries to put together an admittedly premature Playoff bullpen. Unless a couple of guys step up their game, and soon, the internal outlook isn't great.
So we could probably use some help from outside the organization. With the calendar turning to July and the trade deadline appearing on the horizon, @cHawk is looking for your Twins Trade Deadline Targets: Relief Pitchers. Who's at the top of your list?
Looking to avenge the loss of the Captain (America) of our bullpen, Steve Taylor Rogers? @Steve71 has more Padres Trade Ideas that will hopefully fare better.
Of course, not all Twins news is negative. Luis Arraez still leads the AL in average and OBP, and @Trov reports he is attracting some nationwide attention: HOF hitters think Arraez is a good hitter, and Arraez is making base hits cool again. Would be great to see that reflected in the all-star game soon!
@PopRiveter examines a so-far effective starter in Chris Archer, Iron Man? Tony Stark would probably pitch deeper than 4 innings, and Archer's four consecutive walks Thursday had Twins fans singing, "Can he see or is he blind?" but overall he's been effective. But a question lingers: with Winder in the wings, could Archer's limited innings be more valuable to the Twins at the end of games, rather than the beginning?
Finally, despite the glaring obvious needs in the bullpen, @RedneckRay offers an idea truly out of left field: to acquire a player who can't play the field at all. Can the Twins (realistically) make a trade for Nelson Cruz? Maybe a great hitter can become a great pitching coach? Do our current relievers need a better nap schedule?
Whatever the topic, you can always relieve yourself of share your best Twins takes in the forums.

Bullpen questions and suggestions are hot topics, of course, but some hitters are still rolling and trade season is starting to heat up too, so there is plenty to discuss.
Using players we already have, @RaoulDuke tries to put together an admittedly premature Playoff bullpen. Unless a couple of guys step up their game, and soon, the internal outlook isn't great.
So we could probably use some help from outside the organization. With the calendar turning to July and the trade deadline appearing on the horizon, @cHawk is looking for your Twins Trade Deadline Targets: Relief Pitchers. Who's at the top of your list?
Looking to avenge the loss of the Captain (America) of our bullpen, Steve Taylor Rogers? @Steve71 has more Padres Trade Ideas that will hopefully fare better.
Of course, not all Twins news is negative. Luis Arraez still leads the AL in average and OBP, and @Trov reports he is attracting some nationwide attention: HOF hitters think Arraez is a good hitter, and Arraez is making base hits cool again. Would be great to see that reflected in the all-star game soon!
@PopRiveter examines a so-far effective starter in Chris Archer, Iron Man? Tony Stark would probably pitch deeper than 4 innings, and Archer's four consecutive walks Thursday had Twins fans singing, "Can he see or is he blind?" but overall he's been effective. But a question lingers: with Winder in the wings, could Archer's limited innings be more valuable to the Twins at the end of games, rather than the beginning?
Finally, despite the glaring obvious needs in the bullpen, @RedneckRay offers an idea truly out of left field: to acquire a player who can't play the field at all. Can the Twins (realistically) make a trade for Nelson Cruz? Maybe a great hitter can become a great pitching coach? Do our current relievers need a better nap schedule?
Whatever the topic, you can always relieve yourself of share your best Twins takes in the forums.

As the losses mounted, anxiety grew and the Twins Daily community wanted the bullpen to stop draggin' their hearts around. There were some bright spots to discuss too -- but did the Twins just get lucky? After all, even the losers get lucky sometimes.
Last week, namesake of a legendary Twins backstop @lecroy24fan questioned the contributions of Ryan Jeffers. But a good week at the plate may have been enough for them to have a change of heart.
We may not know how it feels to have a good bullpen yet, but just about the whole lineup seems to be hitting well. @DocBauer goes ahead and gives us a breakdown in Offensively: Just Sayin'.
Questions linger about the trade deadline, like @cHawk's Twins Trade Deadline 2022: Buy or Sell? Will they damn the torpedoes and go for it, or will they deal away some players and leave the rest to live like refugees? Either way, it seems like the waiting is the hardest part.
Another wait for a top prospect just ended, and @Trov asks, What did we think of Alex Kirilloff return? Between Arraez, Kirilloff, and Miranda, is it enough for the Twins to tell Sano not to come around here no more? But would we really do Sano like that and release the longtime Twin midseason? 
Off the field, @Original_JB reports that the Twins parent TV network may be learning to fly on its own, into the great wide open of direct-to-consumer streaming, with the Sinclair/Bally's standalone soft opening tomorrow! (not in the Twin Cities though). But without the Twins themselves on board, could this be Bally's last dance?
Have your own question, or answer? Go ahead and share it in the forums (in the form of a Tom Petty reference or otherwise).

As the losses mounted, anxiety grew and the Twins Daily community wanted the bullpen to stop draggin' their hearts around. There were some bright spots to discuss too -- but did the Twins just get lucky? After all, even the losers get lucky sometimes.
Last week, namesake of a legendary Twins backstop @lecroy24fan questioned the contributions of Ryan Jeffers. But a good week at the plate may have been enough for them to have a change of heart.
We may not know how it feels to have a good bullpen yet, but just about the whole lineup seems to be hitting well. @DocBauer goes ahead and gives us a breakdown in Offensively: Just Sayin'.
Questions linger about the trade deadline, like @cHawk's Twins Trade Deadline 2022: Buy or Sell? Will they damn the torpedoes and go for it, or will they deal away some players and leave the rest to live like refugees? Either way, it seems like the waiting is the hardest part.
Another wait for a top prospect just ended, and @Trov asks, What did we think of Alex Kirilloff return? Between Arraez, Kirilloff, and Miranda, is it enough for the Twins to tell Sano not to come around here no more? But would we really do Sano like that and release the longtime Twin midseason? 
Off the field, @Original_JB reports that the Twins parent TV network may be learning to fly on its own, into the great wide open of direct-to-consumer streaming, with the Sinclair/Bally's standalone soft opening tomorrow! (not in the Twin Cities though). But without the Twins themselves on board, could this be Bally's last dance?
Have your own question, or answer? Go ahead and share it in the forums (in the form of a Tom Petty reference or otherwise).