DocBauer

I'm a huge fan of Polanco. When it's a clutch moment, he's one of the top 2 or 3 guys I want at the plate. But I'm not so sure Julien doesn't replace him over the next year or so. Defense needs to improve, but boy can he hit and get on base. Throw in the power and good base running and we might really have something here. I was really surprised when he debuted in 2021 and he just keeps getting better.

Hold on a second, I'm also interested in Andrus as as a fill in option. But disregarding a resurgent 2022, Iglesias actually has a better career OPS, slightly, and all almost identical OPS+. And I'm surprised by that, but the numbers are there. I'm not dismissive of IKF from the Yankees if he comes cheap prospect-wise, as I think the Yankees are ready to turn SS over to their coveted prospect options. (But it would be weird to be a Twin again after being one for about 3 days). And he's a nice ballplayer. And I'd have no problem with him as a 2023 fill-in, and potential trade option if Lewis comes back ready to go. But even though I think the system is still strong overall, I really don't want to trade for someone unless it's cheap, or acquires a really stud kind of pitcher or position player. I've seen a few ideas of Mateo on a, hopefully, cheap trade with Baltimore. It's an intriguing idea for speed and some pop, but the guy can't hit and , can't get OB. So, IMO, that leaves Iglesias and Andrus. So what makes you so down on Iglesias vs Andrus considering their career numbers? A 1yr resurgence from Adrus in 2022? I'm interested in both Iglesias and Andrus as a short-term SS for 2023. I "like" both for this role but don't know why you dismiss one over the other so definitively.

I would go with Iglesias. I've checked the career numbers of both and they are nearly identical across their quad slash lines, but Iglesias has a slightly higher career OPS and OPS+. He's also a bit younger, has a better career career percentage, and is coming off a $5M payday so probably isn't looking for the $ that Andrus might be expecting after how much his last deal was worth.

To be fair, Kepler has pretty much been league average as a hitter until 2021-22. That, combined with his defense, made him a pretty good player and positive WAR producer overall. I don't recall what Garlick's OPS was against RH pitching, but thought it was in the .600's somewhere, which is better than the typical, "average" LH vs LH league wide OPS. But yes, Garlick was a mediocre defensive OF who could only smash LHP, which made him a specialist. And Celestino did NOT belong at the ML level after a short AAA audition in which he finished well in a SSS. The Twins should have done better. They need to do better. The roster should be built in such a way you have better overall talent than a group of specialists. Now, ONE of Celestino or Garlick can make some sense. But I've been stating for a couple of years now to get a solid, quality, RH OF to play both corners adequately and give guys days off, particularly against LHP. It hasn't happened yet. But it needs to now.

Perhaps my belief is tinged with a dose of hope, but I think Lewis is the guy. I'm not predicting GG defense, but I believe he will be good and be a heck of a hitter. I'm happy to be proven wrong by Martin sticking at SS! But I think he's a LF/CF who can cover 3B and 2B and I think that's where he ends up. A SSS right after being drafted is not enough to convince me Lee can't be a SS. He's got the experience, the arm, the hands and the instincts from all reports. I guess the question is does he have that right kind of athleticism to play SS at the ML level. Well, a few other, larger guys who weren't exactly speedy turned out to be very good SS. So let's let him play a little longer before we decide for sure. But I do find the idea of a left side of the infield of Lee, Lewis with Miranda at 1B very exciting. 2B is open to a few nice possibilities, including Martin and Julien and some others. I'd like to re-sign Javier on a milb deal and see if this is finally the year something starts to click. He's talented enough and young enough I think you give him that next year. Cavaco has been a huge disappointment. I wonder if, despite poor numbers, if he just needs a change of scenery and a re-start by jumping up to A+.

Honestly, if the Twins don't/can't go big with Correa, I don't think I'd trade for any of these three. We've traded enough already. We have the financial flexibility to add via FA. Iglesias and Andrus are probably just as good of an option as these 3 overall. They are probably a step down defensively, (everyone healthy), but probably a step up offensively. And they cost a 1yr deal and no prospects. I'd rather go that direction.

Absolutely agree with the first part of this post very much. Not so much in agreement with the thought of trading away some of the younger players listed as I think they remain part of the future as well as being inexpensive. As to the OP, no, it makes no sense to go after any of the other top FA SS for many reasons. CC should be the guy if they are going to do it. I've never had a problem moving Lewis to another position. Always thought it was a silly arguement that a very talented player was "wasted" by moving them to a less demanding defensive position. Who cares if a guy could be a really good SS, but you have someone better or as good there, so you move the other player to 3B or 2B. So you have an elite player at a spot other than SS? And this arguement has been made in the past, and I just don't understand it. I mean, the Yankees were pretty good and won a whole bunch of games, even a couple of WS IIRC, keeping their HOF SS in his natural spot and placing Rodriguez at 3B. Oh, what a waste! Lol The truth is the Twins CAN afford to keep Correa at SS and thr books are clean enough to do so. The truth is the Twins have a lot of young talent reasonably priced or cheap now, and a couple just getting their feet wet. The truth is there are several veterans who CAN be off the books in 2024, but not saying all will be or should be. But there is financial flexibility now, as well as the near future. IF the Twins are going to make a move like this, it's the perfect time. I object to the idea the Twins don't have some potential star players on hand. A healthy Polanco is about as good as it gets, same with Buxton when reasonably healthy. Unfortunately, they have a LARGE group of POSSIBLE star players who have had setbacks in their development. But there are some damn fine looking players just ready to break out, if healthy. So I agree that IF the Twins are going to go all in, now is the time. I still have reservations that ONE GUY can make that much of a difference. He could, if the rest of the team around him is as good as the rest of the Twins roster could be if we can just get everyone on the field and playing to their potential. Is CC's potential $ better spent elsewhere? Maybe. I've been torn on this. Both sides of the debate are right, spend BIG, or save and spend AROUND both work if the plan of action goes according to plan. CC is affordable. Keeping him makes the most sense if the Twins push the 2023 payroll to $150M in order to make a couple other additions. (With $ coming off the books again next year). It turns out bad if they don't augment, and everyone stays hurt, and the prospects just don't turn out as good as hoped for. (Not all of them). IMO, BOTH sides of this intelligent debate are right. Keep CC...a star talent which you need...and spend a little more SMARTLY, to augment with $ coming off the future books and keep developing your young talent. OR, trust in that young talent and spend the CC $ throught the roster to make the TEAM better as a WHOLE. I'd like to see Correa remain a Twin and push the 2023 payroll, knowing your books are POTENTIALLY still relatively clean in 2024, IF you develop and trust your young talent. I understand full well his last couple of years will PROBABLY make him an expensive bench player, or a 2B with someone else taking over SS. But common sense for a mid market team has to be "how much can we expect to BURN financially his last few years?" My answer is 2yrs. And who knows how the market is going to work! My answer to a re-sign is 7 or 8 years for about $260-280 MAX. That's about $33M per. I'd even suggest front loading the first few years by a couple of $M, just to keep the last couple of year more financially flexible for the rest of the roster, even though, hypothetically, revenues and payroll will rise. To me. That's still a little steep. I'd rather see 7-8 at around $250M but not going to quibble. Considering the Twins ARE mid market, I'm not going to be upset if they "finish second" on a deal like this. I WILL be upset if the FO just drags their feet for months on end waiting to see how things turn out and ignore other options. The WORST thing the FO can do is nothing while sitting around the campfire and just being overly patient. There's still a season to be played and the constructs of a potentially pretty good team for that season.

I hadn't thought of Haniger, to be honest. There's a lot of upside there to be sure, even at 31yo. I could get on board with him as I'm having a tough time trying to figure out another RH OF who isn't old. (Or coming off a big salary they probably didn't deserve but are used to and may be over pricing themselves). But he made $7.75 last season and you have that basically being doubled this year in your blueprint. I'd say that's a little high.

Trade Pagan? That Randball Stu sure has a great sense of humor doesn't he? Wait...we're being serious here? He has something like the worst WPA over 3yrs in MLB and the highest ERA with 50 IP or more over the same time frame. I'm at least close on those numbers. Striking out 3 or 4 of 6 batters faces sounds great until you realize there was hit, walk, and 3 run HR that just blew three game. If someone actually believes they can do something with him, more power to them, send the Twins a decent A ball flier or some international signing $. Otherwise, PLEASE Twins FO, just let go. Stop falling in love with re-treads and stubbornly giving them chance after chance. Just let go and move on.

I know it sounds crazy, but questions in the OF play a part in this. And by that, I mean the questions surrounding Kirilloff. In a best case scenario, AK is a very good 1B and OK OF. That creates a great deal of roster and lineup flexibility. It's not disrespect or not believing in top young talents like Larnach and Wallner, or even a healthy rebound from Kepler, but the presence of Kirilloff affects both the OF and the INF. IMO, Miranda will be OK at 3B, and possibly pretty good with work and experience, even though it's POSSIBLE Lee might take that spot in the near future. But that's for a possible future, and not NOW. Arraez is not a bad 3B by most all metrics. And he did a great job at 1B while learning the spot on the fly. But to COUNT on AK is a mistake at this point. So the Twins might be better with Arraez still playing a lot of 1B and Miranda continuing to move between 1B and 3B. All of this tells me the very solid, good but not great, Urshela has great value to the 2023 Twins at $9M. He could, of course, turn out to be a decent trade chip next season. But I would only move him now if he was part of a really nice package, OR, the Twins just really needed the extra $ for a deal or combination of deals, such as a Correa deal while still trying to add someone else. Otherwise, I think his greatest value is to be part of the 2023 Twins.

NOT saying I don't want Correa back for 7 or 8yrs at around $30-ish per year. I'm a fan! But I have to keep wondering if that money isn't still spent better all around the mound and diamond instead? I understand Maeda is probably off the books come 2024. Maybe the same for Gray or Mahle, but they are less certain. And it's debatable still as to whether Martin sticks there or not. Same for Lee. I still think a healthy Lewis probably trumps both those guys. I'm just saying, keeping Fulmer or adding someone as good or better, adding another quality arm via trade or FA, etc, is the payroll for Correa possibly spent better when spread around? On the side of a fill-in to at least begin 2023, Iglesias and Andrus are the solid but lesser options. As I understand it, Andrus did. It meet qualification for his $15M option. Despite a comeback year in 2022, at 34yo, Andrus is just still not going to earn anything close to that in 2023. What's interesting to me is that while Andrus would seem to be the better offensive player between himself and Iglesias, more overall power and, at least previously, more speed, the two of them have very similar quad slash lines for their careers as well as career OPS÷. And I was shocked to see that, unless Bassball Reference is wrong somehow. So to me, Iglesias would seem the smarter choice just based on performance and previous earnings.

Stashak has been pretty reliable when healthy and has options, but, missing almost the entire season due to injury and not looking very good before being shut down, I'd say he's off the 40 man. There just isn't room for him. Enlow was really looking like he was starting to figure some stuff out before he blew his arm out. I'd be surprised if the Twins kept h for 2yrs only to dump him now. He needs 2023 to prove he's got it going again, or is never going to get it going. As glfar as being a reliever, I think that's way off base. Until the Twins announce something different, I'm sure he's still a starting pitcher who finished in the pen just to curtail his IP.

With the exception of a few players and a few teams, the SB is just no longer a major part of MLB. It's more if a surprise or occasional weapon. IMO, the larger bases and limited throws might see an uptick in SB attempts begining in 2023, but I don't expect any huge increase. The game now is about power and launch angle and OB %. So while a strong armed catcher is great to have, it's not close to what I believe to be the #1 requisite for a catcher. Above all else, he needs to be able to call a good game, provide a nice target, and have the confidence of the staff. Jeffers has all of that, even if we remove the pitch framing aspect. At one point last year the Twins had something like 20 games where they allowed 3 or less runs in a game and Jeffers caught like 14-15, of them. His bat potential is still there and he was heating up before his injury. He's not close to old and has room to grow despite having a couple full seasons under his belt. Could Jeffers throw better or more accurately? Yes. And I hope he works at it and improves. But he was better in 2021, so I won't get bent out of shape for a 2022 dip. I don't know who his co-catcher will be, though I have a couple veterans clearly in mind at this time, but I like Jeffers in his role and his offensive potential.

Look, again, I don't apologize for the FO when they make mistakes, IMO. Even when they have and still do good things, and have done good things, from the top down, I'm more than willing to call them out. But this vitriol about brining everyone back is a bit nuts. And I'm NOT saying I.'m 100% on board with this or surprised or happy. I'm just saying there needs to be a little perspective here. #1] NOBODY can predict injuries. The firing of Sanchez came with that caveat as Falvey was very clear that the organization was looking for a different approach to training and recovery to insure they were doing things in the best possible way. You CAN'T predict a bounced ball breaking Jeffer's thumb, for example. And to be fair to the fired Sanchez, when you can't even speak to your team during a lockout in regard to their training, you're kinda on a certain hook you can't control. Right or wrong, in a different organization to begin the season, Mahle has stated his arm/shoulder/velocity issue might have been throwing too hard and too long and just got tired. BS? Maybe. I don't doubt the lockout messed with at least some players, if not a bunch. And that's not necessarily a trainers fault. But when you see a pattern of soft tissue injuries, coming off a weird offseason, but some repeat issues, it's GOOD the FO wants to take an overview look at everything they've been doing. Would you want less? 2] I am surprised Maki was retained as the pitching coach. I thought they might make a major search for the "right guy". And it's been speculated the Twins simply "settled" on Mak because he's a "team guy" and the players like him. With a whole offseason to hire whoever the hell they want to, they decided on Maki because he was convenient? Need I remind anyone that Maki was the BP coach, which is basically another assistant pitching coach, before being given his current role, and the Mets current pitching coach was the FORMER Twins BP coach in Hefner. So is it possible the Twins just kept it too damn simple in a promotion of someone, reportedly, sharp and on board with the structure put in place by Johnson, and could have done better? Maybe. But maybe they just have a really sharp guy getting his 1st best shot to prove how good he can be. 3] Watkins can be better as a 3B coach. But when was the last time ANYONE said they had a great 3B coach? I agree he just blew a few plays. But he also read the defense and opportunities to score and was right many times. I agree he needs to get better, but his coaching ability has to be considered along with his ability to be the 3B coach. (More on that later). 4] Are Popkins and Hernandez applauded for OB and driving runners in from 3B and derived for not being able to advance or drive runners in from 2B? There are seriously strange issues with the Twins 2022 offensive production. Is that the coaches or the players? Look, I'm no expert on this staff. I expected some changes. But I've also seen this FO's choices for so many coaches being plundered by other teams to have at least have some belief they know what they're doing. We've been plundered Rowson, Johnson, Shelton, and Sawyer just in the last couple of seasons. So I'm willing to give a little leway as to their decision to keep what they have, even if I'm a bit unsure. I think we also have to remember that this current staff has 1yr together, or less than that on the pitching side. I DO BELIEVE that Rocco has the ultimate responsibility to make his coaches actually COACH, and change up the daily instruction needed to have a competent team on the field defensively and base running, but I don't know that the coaches kept aren't quite competent. My biggest concern is Tingler. He might be smart as hell. But is he the voice in the ear that Baldelli needs to hear? Rocco is NOT a great manager. He's OK with some smart ideas. What he needs, IMO, is an older, more experienced voice to guide him. And I am disappointed that Tingler was kept more than anyone else. I think bench coach is being ignored.

Agreed that the top SS are most likely to re-sign with their own teams. And if one of them moves on? Well then, that team probably signs one of the others. I just don't see the Twins signing any of the SS other than Correa. Not saying they can't or it won't happen, just saying keeping him makes the most sense if you're going to go big. That being said, I just don't see $250-$300M for 7-8 years by the Twins. I won't be unhappy if they do. I just don't believe it will happen. Just too much for too long and I don't see Correa doing 6yrs. And I don't see trading for a stop-gap unless the player cost is small and it's for 1yr. Now, it's possible said stop-gap might be traded at the deadline to another team hurting for a SS, but that's a whole different topic and an assumption that Lewis 100% and good to go by July-ish, if not sooner. I kinda liked Andrus as an option, but is he really going to opt out of $15M in 2023 thinking he's going to get a better/longer deal? Iglesias just might be the best option. I fully expect the Twins to spend money this offseason. It might be for a powerful corner OF bat. It might be for the best arm they can get their hands on. (Rodon is risky but has been tied to the Twins twice in the last year. Maybe?) I just don't know that one of these top SS is going to be the right answer. I think the money goes elsewhere, they find a "decent" short term option, and trust in Lewis, etc.

A good concept, but not a new one. I recall when Cleveland took this approach in the late 80's and early 90's. While it didn't pay off in a run of WS appearances or wins, it kept the core of the team together and provided a long run of winning seasons and contention. It can make real sense for both sides, and provides a sort of "insurance" for all parties. I like the approach and it was smart as well as beneficial for Polanco and Kepler. Not so much of Sano, but if you look at total production, the Twins weren't exactly fleeced. The contract signed with Buxton this past offseason is a similar approach, despite not being in his early 20's and having some injury issues. You're still betting sunk $ cost/value versus what MIGHT BE. I don't buy in to the fact that a player reaching the majors at 24-25yo is probably not a great prospect. Right now, he's very likely a year behind due to covid and the lost 2020 season. Secondly, not everyone is a HOF'er or multiple All Star, and said mid-twenties player can still have a very, very good career as a starting player or roster fixture for a good 7-9 years. BUT, a lot of those players won't be FA until they reach about 30yo, so an extension is questionable for a lot of them. But I wouldn't say no to any young player who puts in at least a couple quality seasons and shows real upside. But I would always insist on a couple, healthy, productive seasons before I go long term with them. The toughest area to figure might be starting pitching. There are arms that break down and are just never the same. But then again, a lot of front line, #1 types and even a lot of proverbial ACES don't achieve that status until their late 20's. By that time, you might be too late for a "mutually friendly" option. So overall, yes, I like the idea of locking up my young players as much as possible. It makes good business sense and works for both sides.

Not going to actively debate who should be #1 because there's a lot of reasons to pick Miranda or Correa as well. But I do feel Arraez is deserving. I understand and appreciate analytics. I understand and appreciate OPS and it's overall impact in ranking a player's value/production. But without legitimate power production, it's going to be hard to have an .800 OPS. Arraez had his highest numbers, mid year, and still finished with outstanding numbers, despite battling a bad hamstring to end things. Where I think analytics sometimes fail is when a player does something different or unique. Arraez's 40 XB was just fine for his role and not only will possibly increase slightly over the next few years, but would have been higher if healthier the last couple of months. (Like about everyone else). But he is one of the best pure hitters, contact hitters, and OB% batters in all of baseball. It's a unique and special skill set. And because of it, he fits a special role and place in the Twins lineup. And to me, that increases his value beyond standard analytical data. For the 1st half of the season, at least, who else would you rather see up at the plate in a pressure situation? Arraez is there to set the table and set a tone. But he's also got tremendous ability to "continue " and inning and still knock some guys in. Debatable choice for sure, but he's worthy of the award.

Yes to Carmago. The Twins need the depth and he shows some promise still. Once the Twins settle on their co-catcher, they will have to add a 3rd at some point. Might be someone like Leon. Or, they might add after the rule 5. But Carmago should be kept. I'm lukewarm on Javier. He still has a ton of talent and is only going to be 24. Maybe he's better served going elsewhere for a change of scenery. But despite poor results the past 2yrs, when you look at talent and age, I'm open to another year of "maybe this is the season it starts to click". Cabrera does little for me, but OF depth at AA isn't a bad thing so why not? Nothing says you are forced to keep him if he's simply outplayed.

John, 2 things come to mind as I reflect not only on this OP, but your podcasts. #1] No matter how anyone wants to spin the "payroll is potentially unlimited", it still is. I've never heard a Twins FO, or ANY FO, openly state what projected payroll might be. But I find comments from the FO that they have "spent more than comfortable revenue" the past few years to be interesting. (And I know I'm paraphrasing slightly). #2] Post covid, the world has changed, and so have finances for everyone, including the public. Around this time last year, there were many on TD expecting a deep cut payroll around $90M to a max of $120M. If I'm not mistaken, I believe you also fell in line with the $120M expectation. I projected a blueprint...rather different than what happened...for around $140-145M. I believed in the resources of the team and an attempt to right 2021. It didn't turn out, obviously, but my point is the FO and ownership DIDN'T cut payroll. IMO, ownership and the FO will not cut payroll, despite lower than expected attendance, yet again. Attendance is not the only cash flow to be certain. Plus, winning fixes a lot of things. And as far as I know, there is ZERO decrease is media $ or national $. And ownership seems to believe in Falvey and Levine and what they are doing, and have done. Pre-covid, the mean payroll was about $150M. The Twins have danced around 16th to 18th on average, usually within a few $M close to that delta. I believe, IIRC, they were in the top 15 once, maybe twice, in the early teens, especially for the 2010-11 squad, before this current FO, who seems to have ownership's ear. I DON'T see a slip in spending unless things just "plop" in their lap. Winning builds interest and puts butts in the seats. And even when winning works, history has shown the NEXT season puts even more butts in those seats. I expect a legitimate $50M-ish to spend. The HUGE question is whether or not a bulk of that $50M is spent on ONE player. You want to have the best players you can. I would LOVE to have Correa back! I've become a big fan for many reasons. But is the team better to have him back and spend a little here and there to augment the rest of the roster the best you can? Or use the rest of the $ money "saved" to go bigger? And that is the elephant, rhino, whale in the proverbial room! We have a lot of time to figure this all out. It's still VERY early! But for ONCE, our FO HAS to make an early decision on what's going to happen and not drag things out! They got Correa dropped in their lap, but missed out on other opportunities as they were so focused on Buck. And they just can't afford to ONLY be patient yet again. But John is absolutely right that on paper, the 2023 Twins don't have a major hole anywhere to fill other than at least an early SS question. It's very, very easy to play and dismiss the "IF" game. But it isn't very hard to see a very good OF and 1B mix. And it isn't very hard to see a solid rotation with some depth. And it isn't hard to see a pretty nice bullpen. So while there are holes and question marks, there aren't aggresious holes anywhere. But in regard to the WAY TOO EARLY SINCE THE SEASON ISNT EVEN DONE DEPARTMENT part of the conversation: 1] Kepler is NOT a 4th OF. He's a GG type RF who is league average hitting wise. He is NOT a middle of the order bat. He's a quality lower 3rd who should play some CF here and there, and sit against LHP pitching when possible. In that regard, he's 4th OF-ish. But he's still the primary RF unless or until moved. 2] Sorry if you don't like him, but Jeffers is still one of the Twins primary catchers. He calls a good game, has the confidence of the staff, has power, is about average as a hitter these days for his position, and still has upside. He needs a partner and my #1 target right now is Barnhart. He's not great offensively, but is a year removed from his career numbers of being OK with double and some HR pop. He's also a quality defensive backstop with experience. 3] Re-signing Fulmer makes so much sense, unless the FO just likes someone better. He's not a classic set-up man, but he's been damn good since his conversion about a year and a half ago. And he shouldn't cost a ton. Again, you like someone better, no issue. 4] Middle relief is a HUGE need. But when do you sign or trade for middle relief? Look, if the FO wants to sign someone for that role, OK. But shouldn't Sands, Smeltzer, if he's kept, Henriquez, maybe Dobnack, or ANY future SP option getting his feet wet in the ML should be included as a middle relief option. This just shouldn't be a problem with the number of arms on hand. It's not that hard. 6 guys you trust for 1 IP, once in a while 2, and two guys who can do more. 5) A solid, productive RH OF who can play both corner OF spots. Is that so hard to find? It shouldn't cost a fortune and is important. 6] I still believe, if at all possible, the Twins should SIGN a FA SP. If they can trade for one without HUGE cost, OK. But no more Bundy, Happ, Shoemaker types. Trust in what you have and the young arms instead. Verlander is not coming here. Correa NOT coming back, you might just roll the dice on Rodon, for example, who brings risk. Otherwise, just a solid veteran who brings depth in case crap falls apart. Trades bring risk as well. Do we really want to add another #2 and lose what we have vs trusting what is on hand? A lot of risk. It's going to be a very, very interesting offseason. But NOTHING will be known until the FO makes their one very serious move. After that.....we'll see.

Sor not buying in to the trainer as being a sacrificial lamb to cover all of the other coaches. And secondly, despite the staff NOW, that doesn't mean additional changes won't happen in the future. I think it would be a bit absurd to blame one guy for the injury factor unless he was a warlock from either Cleveland or Chicago and nobody fully checked out his bio, lol. But regardless of sport, an athletic trainer is not just a guy who tapes ankles and passes out ibuprofen. They often work hand in hand with strength coaches, and can charge be in charge of, or part of, rehab and general conditioning. I've seen enough soft tissue injuries to believe maybe a different approach was needed. But I hope the FO digs deeper. Seems as though every 4-6 week recovery time turned out to be 6-8 weeks or not at all. Maki, from what I've heard, is a pretty sharp guy who embraced everything Johnson pretty much did, but is a very different personality. So this might be a "continuation" of what is already liked. FWIW, I've heard the young Colby Suggs is considered a fast riser in the coaching ranks and very bright. He was pulled from his job as an advance pitching scout to remain with the staff after Johnson left. Supposedly the players really love Hernandez and I just don't know enough about Popkins to have an opinion. The Twins had batting statistics that were in the upper third of all of MLB and finished near the bottom in others. How can you be one of the very best teams at scoring a runner from 3rd and one of the worst at advancing a runner from 2nd? Makes no sense. There is a disconnect somewhere. But how much of that is a fluke, or on the coaches, or on the players? I have no clue. I also was very, very frustrated with Watkins at 3B and some of the waves home that looked utterly wrong. But I also saw a ton of plays where he read the defense and speed of the play well and made a great call sending the runner home. I think a 3B coach gets a lot of blame when things go bad and very little credit when things go right. It's the nature of the beast. If he's a good instructor...and I don't know that he is or isn't...I'm fine with keeping him and hoping he will do a better job on the plays that just don't look good from the beginning. I just think we sometimes remember the bad calls more than the good ones. Making no excuses for the coaches. I just don't know enough about any of their individual strengths and weaknesses to say "so and so" should be replaced. I DO THINK if they remain status quo going forward, it's up to Rocco to change the emphasis on drills and work on the basics. I don't know that you can "teach" a player to hit better with 2 outs, but by God I think you CAN teach...or at least remind...your players some of the basics of where to throw the ball and run the bases better. If he's got coaches he think can coach, then make them COACH. I am surprised about Tingler being retained. A couple of years ago he was the toast of San Diego. And then the Padres disappointed greatly the second year. So is he good or bad? He might be a really sharp baseball guy in the wrong spot. I really believe Rocco is better served with an older bench coach who has been around and seen a lot who can just offer up a different perspective. And maybe he doesn't have to be an "old timer", but someone who has experience managing in the minors and coaching, maybe managing at the ML level previously, who has just seen a lot, been there and done that, who could offer a different perspective. It's not about hating analytics or dismissing scouting reports, just someone who can offer up a different feel and perspective. I mean, just for example sake, a less firey Guillen or younger Gardenhire type. Rocco needs to make his coaches coach more. But I think they're making a mistake at bench coach.

I did some research on MLB salaries by team about a year ago and then tried again recently only to find I couldn't get more than a couple of years before I was blocked now unless a paying member. But generally speaking, from memory as well as the recent seasons I was able to look at again, you are correct that the Twins are generally in the 16-18 spot consistently in average yearly payroll. Depending on which site you look to for such information...as they calculate differently...the Twins dipped to around 20 in both 2018 and 2020. My memory wants to say they were as high as 15th one year in the teens, but I can't confirm that at the moment. Again, it must all be taken with a grain of salt as different sites calculate their numbers differently. And I must note that with a 15th ranking being the medium when based on 30 teams, several of the Twins 16-18M range has been within just a couple of $M from the mean.

He's not leaving NY. He knows it, his agent knows it, the fans know it, we know it. The question is for how much and how long. How about we talk about realistic options for 2023?

Just to get the massive elephant out of the room some food and water and tucked away safe and sound, let's just get the injury/health factor put aside. The Twins made a major turnover in their training and medical staffs 2yrs ago, IIRC. To debate, as outside visionaries, that said change was erroneous and should be done yet again is a fools errand at best. We simply don't know if they made a lateral, poor, or upward improvement. We simply aren't close enough to know or understand what has taken place on that front, IMO. Maybe the injury issue has just been a fluke. Maybe the current roster has a number of players simply prone to injury. And I allow that some player acquisitions were made for players with an "expected" injury factor. (Paddack is easy, I'm talking in general). To "predict" injuries or second injuries in many/most situations is impossible. Kirilloff's wrist injury was impossible to predict. So was each of Larnach's unrelated injuries. Nobody expected Lewis to blow out a knee once, much less twice. Sudden shoulder inflammation can't be predicted, etc, etc. Does the FO need to take a long hard look at everything from training habits to rehab to EVERYONE in the system perform pilates on a regular basis to ensure better flexibility and health? Absolutely! (I understand my pilates comment is a bit flippant, but I use it as an example where you need to look at EVERYTHING)! So let's let the poor elephant get some rest and look at what the FO needs to change and do going forward. #2] And you're reading that right, I'm starting with #2. Being patient is a sound approach that has paid SOME dividends. Cruz was brought on board by being patient. Donaldson was brought on by being patient. Correa was brought on by being patient. Both fell in their lap by being patient. So being patient does work. Donaldson was actually pretty good, and they moved him in order to move forward, which required some smart maneuvering, and allowed for Correa. Being patient allowed them to sign Lynn to the rotation which didn't turn out. Lynn was good before coming to the Twins and good after leaving. We've heard he might have had a "disappointing" attitude in his tenure, but he was a good signing initially. Waiting, being patient with the market, CAN pay dividends. But.... #1] Make a plan for 2023! And this has been maybe my biggest problem with our FO. While working out details with Buxton last offseason, it felt like they let the rest of the world just pass by. They would not have destroyed the 2022 payroll with ANY acceptable Buxton extension, yet they just ignored the pitching FA market while doing so. So the second large animal in the room is Correa. Do we name this the "hippo" in the room in order to grant the elephant some peace? He'd be very happy to stay from everything he has said and done. Are the Twins in or out? Payroll is always in flux due to attendance and media rights and MLB deals. I state fronting more $ up front makes the most sense while payroll is under control and you allow for extensions and the such, others argue about future value and future expensive contracts won't be as costly due to future media money. I still argue spending more early in a deal for more $ flexibility later. But regardless, put out a legitimate offer, and go from there. You either want to spend $30-35M a year for about 7-8yrs for a top player who would like to stay, or you don't. But you make a LEGITIMATE offer to keep him and let he and Boras decide its fair and he wants to stay or you MOVE ON. And quickly! The Twins have either 15-20M to spend for 2023 or $50-55M. But you can't let yourself be handcuffed. Terry Ryan used to go shopping early for what he wanted, though usually small deals. Falvey and Levine have adopted a patient "wait and see" attitude. What needs to happen, IMO, is a combination of BOTH. My biggest problem with our current FO is they should, each and every offseason, TARGET that one or two players they really like and want and be AGGRESSIVE to get something DONE. And THEN, be patient, sit back, and see what falls to you. Each and every season there are SP and BP arms and solid position players that are good performers who just don't get the big deals. Which is great to wait for AFTER you get what you need and want. Unfortunately, the FO, right now, is stuck in a conundrum they haven't faced before. In previous years, including 2021 and 2022, my "demand" to select who you really need and want and "go for it" and then sit back and wait for the rest works. However, the Correa situation approaching 2023 complicates what I believe to be a rather simplistic approach in general. But at the end of the day, it still comes down to "making a plan". You're either going to get this done, or you aren't. I'm honestly torn as a fan of Correa as to whether the 2023 Twins are better with or without Correa. But make a plan and stick to it. Either sign Correa and augment the rest of the roster as best you can, OR, be aggressive without Correa and move forward. Either way, be aggressive early, get what you want and need, and then be patient. There's room for both. But JUST being patient is not going to bring what this team needs to move forward.

Do I tend to be an optimist? Yes. Was I happy with all the moves made...and not made...to build the opening day roster? Absolutely not. I was OK with Sanchez as the 2nd catcher for 1yr? Yes. Did I accept Garlick as the "offensive" RH OF instead of the upgrade I've been yelling for? Not really, but I could live with him. But I was very disappointed in not only moving Rogers...not going to rehash the trade again...but they didn't add another quality RH to ADD while wanting to keeping Rogers. (In his role, not the 100% closer). I was HUGELY confused they didn't take advantage of the FA SP market, even if they didn't sign Strotman...my preference...or ANYONE other than Bundy. And Bundy would have been fine as a secondary signing, but he AND Archer was just WAY TOO LITTLE. BUT, Gray and Correa and the bulk of the team, some young talent I expected to take steps forward or at least contribute, I saw a good offense, and an OK staff that really just needed a couple young arms to help out, and I predicted about 86-88 wins and a shot to challenge the Dirty Sox for 1st. Decent health...cough-cough...and some of that young talent really stepping forward, (Larnach, Kirilloff, Miranda, Winder, Alcala, etc), and I thought they could jump to 92-92 wins. Or, an improvement of another 6 wins. My prediction looked pretty sound for the first couple of months. Even when they began to slip around July, I still saw hope with a couple guys getting healthy, some help coming from the trade deadline, and thought we'd be OK and start to "ramp up" again come August. My goodness, we were still tied for 1st to open September even with all the injuries and AAA players filling out the roster! Not sure I can remember all the wheels coming off in a season so dramatically and suddenly as this one! Whether it be for the sake of solace or perspective or simple conversation sake, I utterly dismiss the notion of Vegas predicting the Twins at around .500 and that's how it ended it. No matter any prediction, this team looked pretty good the first few months, even with some warts. Projections changed for just about anyone and everyone at that point. I have no idea what Vegas predicted for the Giants in 2021, but I doubt it was 100 wins, much less 107. So predictions are just that. Things change. Things happen. The 2022 Twins were not built as well as they could have been, or should have been. Period. But they were still better and more talented to be better than they ended this season had they been remotely healthy. And I don't think my predictions were out of line based on what we saw those first few months. Better health will be a HUGE factor in 2023. But not skimping or ignoring the margins are important to reach that 90+ win potential and be legitimately competitive.

Absolutely move on to a better option. I've been saying for at least 2yrs now we needed a RH OF who can produce and play some decent corner defense. If he could cover CF now again, that's just a bonus and not a prerequisite. Kepler and Gordon can cover CF with Buxton taking a day or two off. Celestino should be in AAA remembering how to hit again, and just "settle down" and remember how to do the small but important things that are so necessary, like running the bases and throwing to the right base. I still believe he was rushed and his head was swimming. I'd like Gaelick back on a milb deal as insurance. He does hit LHP well. His .600+ OPS against RHP isn't killer when you realize the league wide OPS, on average, for LH vs LHP is worse. But shouldn't we be aiming higher? Someone who can stay in the lineup? Someone who can play better defense and perform better to balance our LH bats? Someone who isn't a black hole when pressed in to regular duty if/when injuries happen. Time to find someone better, and it doesn't have to be some All Star, expensive stud. Just a better overall player. Period!