DocBauer

Going to disagree on Garver and Buxton. Missing 2020 affects EVERYONE. But for Buxton, the issue remains avoiding freak injuries...(Jobu, bucket of chicken, good luck charm)...and learning to conserve some wear and tear on his body. We began to really see what he could do in 2019 and he's still young enough to not have his career grossly affected by a missed 2020. While Garver is a late bloomer, he split time in the minors and bas split time each of his first two ML seasons. He seems to be sturdy and in good shape. It would seem he has plenty of tread on him yet, though he will still hit a downward arc sometime in his 30's, I don't think he is poised for that to happen over the next few years. Agree on Pineda. Also think Cruz and Donaldson are more greatly affected as the clock is ticking on Cruz, and Donaldson is still in his prime RIGHT NOW. Odorizzi and May are also affected. May has a limited but successful tenure as a RP. And I don't feel he would be costly to re-sign. But losing another potentially "dominate" season could definitely cost him some $ with the Twins or anyone else. No matter how much I like Oddo, and want him back, I have stated repeatedly I think his top $ is around $20M per for 3-4yrs. Or, only slightly more than he is scheduled to make in 2020 and more than acceptable for the Twins to bring him back. Something be bas stated he wants and is open to. However, if 2019 was indeed a turning point, and be was hitting his high water mark as a SP, he could potentially be looking at a bump to the $22-23M mark. Maybe. Not going to happen if there is no 2020.

For me the 70's was when I was growing up a Twins fan, grade school and Jr high. I remember the hitter list quite well, with the exception of Tovar that I barely recall. I know the SP listed, a couple of the BP arms, especially Marshall, but I confess to little or no memory of Johnson, Burgmeier or Hall. Hope that doesn't debit my Twins Fan/Man Card. How did Blyleven not win the Cy Young in '73? Oh yeah...Jim Palmer. Shout out to all time great Jerry Koosman who joined the team in 1979 and went 20-13 In 37G with 263IP, 10CG and a 3.38ERA.

Guess I had forgotten of not realized Smalley wasn't in the Twins HOF. That is a mistake that needs to be corrected. This is a good, solid team. It would be an even better team had it been kept together longer and injury/death hadn't shortened careers.

I like Odorizzi. I'd like to keep him around. But I have a hard time seeing 31yo Odorizzi with a good, solid but unspectacular career getting more than $20-22M annually. Maybe I'm wrong. But at just shy of $18M for 2020, the cost of keeping him on an extension should be affordable if he really does want to stick around, as he's previously stated.

If my memory is intact...hard to say these days...while Pineda's numbers to begin 2019 weren't exactly great, he showed promise and was pretty good for the first 3-4 IP before tiring. We all saw what he did when he was ramped up. Talent has never been the issue. And while velocity may be down, experience has helped negate that with just learning to be a better pitcher. (I do wonder if his velocity may have increased slightly from June 1st on once his legs were under him but I have no data). I understand that when you read the initial agreement between management and the union, it reads as if all suspensions will be fully enforced. But as pointed out already, that agreement was made when there might have been thoughts of a full season, or close to it. We are in a very fluid state rignt now. Further, jt has never been acceptable to me that susoended players were able to count days in the IR as part of their suspension. It also blows my mind that suspensions for Astros personal would count if there is no season at all. Which means, really, there is no punishment at all except for unknown future possible exclusion due to involvement. To me, logic and basic fairness would indicate all disciplined players should still be punished, but have their sentence pro-rated along with the rest of all additional pro-rates for any 2020 season. Otherwise, really, their punishments are actually being lengthened. And while I support punishment for any transgression for any player, a sense of proper justice should also be maintained.

That's it! I had forgotten Hough! Love the Niekro boys but Charlie was the knuckleballer of my teens and early 20's I had forgotten about. Good call! It does make you wonder, if you could transplant one of these guys,or have the "next" knuckleballer suddenly in your system what he would do against the launch angle, HR driven batters of today. He could be devestaed, or he could pitch 200 innings and win 15-20 games. Would anyone know what to do when facing him? Someone get Wes Johnson on the phone!

I agree more with the good than I do the bad, Nick, to be honest. And it's not just that I'm an optimist. At various times and stages, through the minors and at the ML level we've seen what May and Duffey can do, more so with May probably. With both of them, I don't see lightening in a bottle for a single year. There's enough history, arm talent, hard work by them and the staff, I think they are both just fine. At some point, Romo and Clippard will finally regress or lose it. And sometimes it can happen quickly. But nothing seen recently indicates their cliff is 2020, assuming a season. While we don't have any long term success to feel 100% about Littell and Stashak, we've also seen an awful lot of good and potential. Wisler is a wildcard worth looking at and burning early if need be. I dismiss Graterol not due to talent or potential, only because he wasn't around long enough to make a true impact. Romero, Colina and Chalmers could be a "replacement" for him in the pen, even short term, in the case of Colina and Chalmers who still seem to have SP potential. And yes, Duran could fit in temporarily as well. And Poppen shouldn't be dismissed. There is tremendous depth here amongst options already established and options who could contribute short and long term, including Dobnak, Smeltzer, etc. I feel good about the depth of the pen. Completely different than when 2019 started.

In basic theory, the idea of isolating MLB to Arizona, or a 2 league AZ and FL format actually makes some sense. All involved personnel are basically sequestered, and while not normal ML standards, I'm sure most facilities and stadiums are of decent quality in these scenarios. You could probably sell the idea to the players, coaches, staff, TV and radio crews umpires and everyone involved if it was for a month. Who knows, maybe even two months considering the current state of things. But there is no guarantee, no time frame, no way to future plan. So, unfortunately, it just won't work.

Wanted to quote initially, but by the time I sat down to do so, there were too many good quotes to list. So let me echo that for some crazy reason, despite athleticism, a sweet swing generally good contact and a good eye, Max's BABIP has simply been unusually and frighteningly low for someone with so much going for him. Darius mentioned finding a sweet spot between contact/launch angle and approach. And that may be a simplified but accurate answer. He has been making adjustments, pitchers have been making adjustments, and round and round goes the wheel. But that's status quo for all hitters, probably more so for young hitters as they refine their game. I have often argued that Kepler has gotten by on pure ability and produced well, but has been a bit behind a lot of prospects and young players due to his training and early experience. Someone, I forget who, had a very interesting post about the kind of baseball and instruction Max had in Europe. I believe the post was about a year ago in another OP of similar discussion. The poster had real knowledge about the level of competition and instruction in Max's case, and it didn't compare to a traditional HS kid. The whole point being, like any young player he has had to learn, develop and make adjustments. But as good as he's been, it may have taken him a bit longer to begin to reach his full potential than others. Considering how good he's been, and the big step forward in 2019, imagine how good he can still be. While I believe he has 30HR power over a full season, (remembering his was hampered the last month or so last year), I would be surprised to see him be more of a consistent high 20HR hitter with an increase in doubles, BA and OB. Especially if he can find that sweet spot in his approach. I absolutely feel we haven't seen the best of him yet.

I would agree. But, I have no idea why the knuckleball pitcher has become almost extinct. I've read before it is more of an art and a "feel" than a talent and is very hard to master. Can't recall who said it, might have been one of the Niekro brothers, but it's also very mental because you have to believe in what you're doing and keep repeating it even when you get slapped around. I doubt a lot of pitching coaches are very familiar with the pitch, but then again, there are still guys out there who have succeeded with it to draw knowledge from. I recall the Joe Niekro fiasco when be was caught doctoring the ball and had a nail file in his pocket, lol. But I also recall statements that you needed strong fingers and fingernails to throw the pitch, unlike something like the split finger pitch which I understand needs larger hand and long fingers. BTW, whatever happened to the "knuckle curve" we used to hear about? Where's Parker when we need him? Lol

I posted in a different thread a couple weeks ago that afternoon sports talk radio here in Omaha had a local expert from UNMC speaking about the whole pandemic situation. While, of course, information and prognostication is ongoing and incomplete, and we all hope for a potential cure, 2 important points of hope/focus were: 1] This virus is very vulnerable to proper cleansing. In other words, it doesn't stand up to alcohol, bleach, etc. 2] Like every flu virus, there is hope/belief that as the calender turns warmer and more humid the virus will naturally begin to die out on its own. FWIW.

We are absolutely on the same page. I've mentioned before in passing that often what is now old becomes new again. And I can see where a shift will begin again in baseball, no pun directly intended. Defense has lowered in expectation over the past few years, being replaced more by the shift than elite gloves, in favor of hitting and especially power hitting. And I love me some power. And even if guys like Cruz and Rosario may not be around much longer, there is plenty of power still on the team and arriving soon. But how much fun would it be to see Buxton become healthy and learn to stay that way, while adding Lewis to the infield construction however it plays out. Add in Arraez, if he is for real, and I think he is. Now, with all that power, you have an elite hitter with contact and OB ability coupled with a pair of real speedsters who could make the SB relevant again.

Just a thought, but since we are including DH, (rightfully so), perhaps also include a utility player? Almost every team of every decade has that one guy who plays a ton off the bench. Tovar could have been that guy here with Mincher as the DH maybe.

Ahhh....beer. Breakfast of champions.

Agreed that depth, period, much less pitching depth is in the Twins favor at this point for a more compressed schedule. When you're not sure which good options make your final staff, but now you get to keep everyone due to a further expanded roster, that's a good thing.

I have no problem with Kepler continuing to hit at the top of the order in either spot. His production was outstanding, and I believe there is still room for him to improve. And as good as his numbers were, he also mixed chunks of time at the end of the year due to injury. He could be a fine table setter. But as I stated above, with all due respect to Rosario, who I am a fan of, I'd almost rather see him slid to the 5 spot behind a pair of our RH power bats and in front of the third. Of course, that means Arraez has to keep doing what he did last year to pair with Polanco.

Fine points, Trov, and I agree the basic principal of manufacturing runs has lessened if not become endangered. (Somewhat to my chagrin as I love the excitement of a SB and enjoy a successful hit and run). And I wholeheartedly agree/understand a "better" hitter being in the #2 spot now. But aren't Kepler, Polanco, Garver when he's up top, and Arraez if he maintains, already "better" hitters and more dangerous than the traditional model types? Now, there is a part of me that really likes the idea of Kepler sliding down to break up our RH power, but regardless, I'm of the belief that a pair of dangerous/quality hitters in the top 2 spots should provide Cruz, Donaldson, Sano and either Kepler or Rosario TONS of RBI opportunities. Not to mention the fact that they themselves are pretty good OB guys for anyone hitting behind them.

Wait...I can't have both???

If anyone on the current Twins team coukd accomplish the feat it might be Sano healthy for a full season. While echoing some of your own points, I would just state that 3 prime principles of today's game would seem to make such a feat near impossible: 1] Relievers are no longer mop-up guys. Pitching velocity is WAY up over what it was 10yrs ago, 20yrs ago, etc. Now, except for those rare and special arms, the game is about 5-6IP by a SP and then turn it over to a talented bullpen. 2] Defensive shifts have definitely changed the game. 3] Combined with the first 2 points, hitting is about power, launch angle, etc. Call it the ESPN highlight mantra if you want. SO's are way up and part of the game now. Contact and OB aren't gone or frowned on, but the game has become all about power now. What I can't wrap my head around is the theory of your best hitters moving up higher to the top of the order to be more productive. I get more AB for the best and most dangerous hitter on your team, in general, but who do they drive in unless you have a deep lineup. Otherwise, they are driving in themselves and maybe the leadoff hitter. Yes? I would love someone to show me how Cruz, Donaldson or Sano...or anyone on any team... is more productive hitting in the 2 spot unless he is on a team with a very strong bottom of the order to be driven in. And I'm asking with sincerity. I'm not necessarily talking about breaking the 140 RBI number, but basic logic tells me some combination of Kepler, Polanco and Arraez, (And possibly others), getting OB at a .350-.400 clip with XB power sets up Cruz, Donaldson, Sano, etc, to have multiple opportunities to drive in far more runs rather than hitting #2. Albeit, the Twins are definitely a team that DOES have a deep and productive bottom of the order. But I'm speaking in general terms here, and not necessarily the Twins as constructed currently.

Very fun. And very much appreciated! Efforts like this, though fantasy, still fill a baseball entertainment void. Thanks!

Since I'm not giving everything away, assuming it's OK to just mention the Twins here. BA ranks the Twins 8th going in to the 2020 season, down one notch from 7th in 2019 preseason rankings. Their average ranking over the past 5yrs is 11th, showing a definite upswing as of late. Of course, they mention Lewis, Kirilloff, Larnach, Balazovic and Duran as top 100 prospects. They also state the Twins having a nice mix of impact prospects with a large amount of lower level depth. No surprises there. Despite no graduation of top rated talent in 2019...other than maybe Thorpe as Arraez and others weren't ranked highly despite their contributions...I am not bothered by a one step drop in rankings. These things are always very fluid. And I have no doubt that injuries of the season ending and nagging kind suffered by Rooker, Lewis and Kirilloff may have contributed some. The 5yr average ranking of 11th is very telling as there are only 5 teams who have a higher ranking over that 5yr span than our Twins. (Though we are tied for 11th place with a couple other organjzations). To me, this shows the consistency being built up within the organization. If and how 2020 ever plays out, I'm very excited to see how our farm system does.

I'm not going to make a choice it's like prime rib vs filet. Or Raquel Welch in her prime vs Farrah Fawcett in hers, (a little levity for us older dudes, lol) Harmon's numbers for his season are just incredible! But what Mauer did, and being a catcher, just can't be undersold. If you twisted my arm I might cry out Mauer's name simply because he was a catcher and I have a soft spot for that position and all it entails both physically and mentally. In my humble opinion, we have been spoiled as baseball fans for the number of catchers and SS that have come along the last 20yrs or so. Someone more steeped in baseball history might correct me, and I'd welcome that. I was a kid when Bench played, a teenager when Fisk was still playing. But when I think of Carter, Rodriguez, Posey, Mauer and a few others I am blown away by the number of HOF worthy catchers I've watched, not to mention the re-invention of the SS position. This article does make me a little sad I have to admit. Not predicting future MVP season's or WS championships, but oh what might have been for both Mauer and Mourneau without those damned concussions.

I like the Twins having the second best record in MLB. I don't like Cleveland having the best record. I also don't buy it. Stupid game system! Lol Go Twins!

And I don't disagree with your proposal. In an ideal situation, of course, weird and fluke injuries are done, (goodness knows Buxton has had his share), and he learns to conserve his body better and starts to become a full season player. Should the opposite happen it would be my hope that Celestino would continue to develop and emerge allowing Lewis to stay in the infield. Not that he couldn't continue to be a versatile player who could also cover some OF time. Like rdehring stated, I am also a big fan of Rosario. And I'm not ready to let him go by any means. But between LF/1B/DH/RF coverage you can easily see a path to both Kirilloff and Larnach making a mark if Cruz and Rosario are removed from the equation over the next year or so. Again, not that I'm looking to kick anyone to the curb at this point.

First, I apologize for not double checking my first post and Koufax's name got garbled. Not my intent. Nor would I ever think to diminish his greatness, even though I "liked" a couple posts that spoke about his "emergence". He was an incredible pitcher and more than deserving of his HOF selection. But something I mentioned, and others have as well, is in regard to worthiness to the Hall based on career numbers vs periods of dominance. It's frustrating that selection is sometimes so subjective. Forgetting Koufax, and without taking the time to research and just using the numbers and time frame of the OP in regard to Santana, he would have arguably been the best SP in MLB for about a 7yr stretch. The name Pedro Martinez was mentioned as a comparison at one point. Regardless, Johan deserved a lot more consideration than 1 and done! Blyleven, IMO, is very deserving. He was finally elected, much later than he should have been, due to his longevity, numbers, and people finally looking past the HR allowed and pitching for some poor teams that may have skewed his final numbers. And then I mention Puckett again, who I also think was deserving. But even still, he falls short of final numbers compared to other similar inductees due to his career being cut short. So where is the balance between career length and numbers vs brilliance and dominance in a shortened career? Koufax himself had a shortened career. I don't have the answer. But as a fan, I try to look at each player in regard to his career, his numbers, and his production and dominance in his era for a sustained period of time. Now I never got to actually watch Oliva play. And like Kirby, his career was cut tragically short. (All the more because today's medical technology would have probably lengthened his career). But his dominating numbers/performance should count for something shouldn't it? Again, I don't have the answers as to how you should measure HOF worthiness. I think length of career and final numbers are key. And I'm not speaking about Santana's worthiness when I ask/wonder if a period of dominance should also be considered.