the blade

He could, but I think there's still a lot of development that needs to happen. Since his move to Low A his batting average actually jumped up 20 points, but that's because his BABIP is .364 (he's getting lucky) and his strikeouts went up from 10% to 20%. He's also hitting the ball on the ground a lot which better defenses and shifts will hurt. I lean toward being a little more cautious with him....but hey i hope i'm wrong! Still agree he could be a star.

I do believe Ausmus is even on the record as saying the Tiger's need "a new voice" in the clubhouse. Dick&Burt said Ausmus told reportes he would have declined an extension if it were offered.

Ha! Yes, i have heard that. But I'm on the coast where the it's also pretty mushed up and full of slang. Good call on the marbles. I had someone here tell me to speak by biting down on a finger.

I probably would. I'm actually in Colombia learning spanish specifically to get into baseball somehow. Let me know if you want to talk more. Will be home in December.

I speak spanish. Put me to work.

Eddie Rosario is a professional hitter as well.

I agree, and I'd add that you have to give both Kepler and Rosario time to accrue said value. Young players in the league get better. Even older ones do as well. Ultimately we don't know what we have with our corner outfielders, but it sure is fun to watch them grow. Especially Rosario now, sweet swing, better at bats, and a flair from the dramatic. I don't get how any fan of baseball would want to trade him, he's a delight to watch. He's one of the best players on the team and the Twins are not where they are without him. And quite frankly he's got some swagger, something the Twins could use.

What kind of drink specials do they have? How are the bartenders? Decent pour? Do they have restroom attendants? I hate how I spend my time peeing worrying about whether to tip or not...

Thanks so much you guys. So lovely reading these everyday. Thanks for all of the great work you do.

On the podcast Effectively Wild they sometimes say a line about closers that goes, "the closer is the closer because he's the closer" and i feel like this logic applies to Molitor and bunting. Close game, man on first? Bunt. Becuase you should bunt in order to bunt.... How about hit a 2 run homer...it's not a sin. This lineup seems to do best when they're required to take intelligent at bats, yet allowed to be themselves and swing. Also, Grossman should not bat 9th. He's in the top 10 in OBP.

I finally read both of Souhan's posts. I assumed from your article that what he'd said was inflamatory, but it wasn't at all. It seemed to give the big man (Sano) respect for his accomplishments and talents while pointing out a real concern--he's 24, overweight, and perhaps a generational talent. We all want to see him at his best, even Souhan.

He looked great, he's also caught Berrios a ton in AAA so there was familiarity. There was one inning when the speedy Hansen was on first and a few balls rolled away, but they were nasty curves. Hansen should have advanced but did not for some reason. Both Dick and Roy were praising him, and he did look good. No idea how Garver is framing-wise, but otherwise solid.

Absolutely, let him prove he cannot play anywhere else before relegating to first, where the offensive threshold for production is much higher.

Or Tim Melville! Hey why not?

Great piece, Ted. Well said. The Twins' surprising first half put the new front office to the test. They had to show the players and fans they would support the hard work and success on the field all the while knowing the team was most likely due for some regression thus needing to plan accordingly for '18 and beyond. Choppy waters to be sure, but the duo did well to add more arms to a system in need. With these trades along with minor league free agent singings from Indy-ball, the plan seems to be to accumulate arms and develop them as best they can, and I love it. And you just never know how guys will develop, who will add 2 ticks to their fastball, which is the beauty of watching these prospects move through the system.

I didn't realize he was a Thoracic Outlet survivor! I love the acquisition and the front office getting themselves in the mix, and sending a positive message to the players, etc. BUT, fangraphs did a piece not long ago about Thoracic Outlet guys...the surgeries to fix this have been overwhelmingly unsuccessful in terms of pitcher success after recovery. The idea of extending Jamie should be pondered cautiously...which I'm sure Falvey and co will do. Just sayin'

I'd love to see Garver this year, but I also think we continue to develop Vargas. I know you're not suggesting we cut bait on Vargas, but consider this... his defense is, according to UZR, above average. It's a small sample size, but he has an UZR of 1 this year. He's probably something approximating average. Agree the Ks are just too much. He has a big problem there which he may never overcome, but his D isn't hurting him.

Incorrect. He's already worth 1.1 WAR this season by Fangraphs, he has a FIP under 2 for July. He has a K/9% near 7, also above average. What he is a slightly above league average starter who at times has a home run and XBH problem. Our defense will help with the latter and our catchers and ballpark may help with the former. No way are twins giving up a top prospect for him for 3 months of service. Also, let me remind you that a "league average starter" would represent an improvement over Colon and Gibson, both are below average. For the right piece, this a solid pickup.

Nelson cruz

amen, brother.

Please reread the part on May. Thanks.

I don't feel great about Parmelee as a hitter, but Aricia just can't play center. He looks overwhelmed in right, especially when he was to make plays on the run forward and running back. That being said, I think the more abs for Aricia the better...but he can't hang in CF

Is there anywhere to watch the game from yesterday? I'm out of market and would love to watch. Saw the catch...but want more...

Anyone know where to find the whole game footage...is it out there somewhere?

Anyone know where to find the whole game footage...is it out there somewhere?