DocBauer

This was asked in another thread as well. It's not uncommon for an A ball player to take a turn at AA or AAA as a temporary fill-in. It's mostly about roster depth. Rather than hit the street to sign someone for a week or so...assuming nobody at the high level is ready to come off the IL...a fully stacked A ball roster will have a player temporarily fill that high level spot and then return when someone is healthy and ready to return. It's about organizational depth and a temporary fill-in is all. You never see a rookie level do it. It's always someone who has at least a full season level under their belt, or in this case, a college player for a week or so. Means nothing in the grand scheme of player development or profile.

WeSo here's the thing, 23G left and not yet mathematically eliminated. It's baseball. How many times over the years have we seen the improbable actually happen? Seems to happen every single year to one team or another. So why not the Twins? Do I actually EXPECT this team, so injured and down and incomplete to make a move over 23G...with help from losses by Cleveland and Chicago...to actually have a realistic chance to win the ALC? NOPE. But I'm also old school enough to know you never give up, for PRIDE sake if nothing else. It will take luck and desperation for the Twins to make a move at this point. And that's EXACTLY what I'm ASKING FOR at this point. And I'm asking for it in a POSITIVE way! We have the next several months to debate the staff, the players, the FO, 2022, and everything in between as well as 2023. But how do we finish 2022? I prefer to go down kicking and screaming! 1] Bring up Wallner, probably too early, let him get experience and work out some early 2023 kinks. A rookie who doesn't know any better, and pitchers who don't know him, he might crank a couple HR and help win a game. He has to be added anyway, why not now? Cave doesn't have a future and Kepler is a shadow of himself. 2] Archer is on the IL and probably done. Mercifully so, though I'm not trying to be mean. He just didn't turn out. He OR Bundy wasn't a bad 5th option, but both helped doom the rotation. Winder and probably Ober should BOTH be up to finish out the season to get ready for 2023 if nothing else. And even if Ober or Winder settles in the pen to finish 2022, Varland should ABSOLUTELY be in the rotation to finish things out. You couldn't have asked for a more difficult debut for Varland than Yankee stadium and he was cool and solid. All 3 should be part of the finish for 2022, whether it's hopeful lightening in a bottle or just getting ready for next year. 3] I have nothing against Cotton. He's been OK here and there even though his peripherals aren't great. But I'm still stunned Davis and Jewell were added over a 3rd veteran in Peacock. He's been better than the other 2 for his career, as well as the past few months. Why those 2 journeymen and not him blows my mind. For that matter, are we going to protect Sisk? He was lights out at AA, OK to begin AAA, and then lights out again. Why not roll the dice? 4] Garlick is good in a role against LH pitching and doesn't totally suck against RH arms. But he's playing at maybe 75% health. With nothing to lose, why not Helman up to provide flexibility position wise, and a HEALTHY RH bat with speed on the basepaths and some XB power. Who are we looking to protect and keep at this point? Archer, Cotton, Hamilton, Hamilton? Give a couple healthy guys a shot to supplement whats left of the team and hope lightening strikes a couple of times.

So here's the thing, 23G left and not yet mathematically eliminated. It's baseball. How many times over the years have we seen the improbable actually happen? Seems to happen every single year to one team or another. So why not the Twins? Do I actually EXPECT this team, so injured and down and incomplete to make a move over 23G...with help from losses by Cleveland and Chicago...to actually have a realistic chance to win the ALC? NOPE. But I'm also old school enough to know you never give up, for PRIDE sake if nothing else. It will take luck and desperation for the Twins to make a move at this point. And that's EXACTLY what I'm ASKING FOR at this point. And I'm asking for it in a POSITIVE way! We have the next several months to debate the staff, the players, the FO, 2022, and everything in between as well as 2023. But how do we finish 2022? I prefer to go down kicking and screaming! 1] Bring up Wallner, probably too early, let him get experience and work out some early 2023 kinks. A rookie who doesn't know any better, and pitchers who don't know him, he might crank a couple HR and help win a game. He has to be added anyway, why not now? Cave doesn't have a future and Kepler is a shadow of himself. 2] Archer is on the IL and probably done. Mercifully so, though I'm not trying to be mean. He just didn't turn out. He OR Bundy wasn't a bad 5th option, but both helped doom the rotation. Winder and probably Ober should BOTH be up to finish out the season to get ready for 2023 if nothing else. And even if Ober or Winder settles in the pen to finish 2022, Varland should ABSOLUTELY be in the rotation to finish things out. You couldn't have asked for a more difficult debut for Varland than Yankee stadium and he was cool and solid. All 3 should be part of the finish for 2022, whether it's hopeful lightening in a bottle or just getting ready for next year. 3] I have nothing against Cotton. He's been OK here and there even though his peripherals aren't great. But I'm still stunned Davis and Jewell were added over a 3rd veteran in Peacock. He's been better than the other 2 for his career, as well as the past few months. Why those 2 journeymen and not him blows my mind. For that matter, are we going to protect Sisk? He was lights out at AA, OK to begin AAA, and then lights out again. Why not roll the dice? 4] Garlick is good in a role against LH pitching and doesn't totally suck against RH arms. But he's playing at maybe 75% health. With nothing to lose, why not Helman up to provide flexibility position wise, and a HEALTHY RH bat with speed on the basepaths and some XB power. Who are we looking to protect and keep at this point? Archer, Cotton, Hamilton, Hamilton? Give a couple healthy guys a shot to supplement whats left of the team and hope lightening strikes a couple of times.

As to the OP, I was a fan of Lee before he was drafted...never thinking so many teams would pass on him, their mistake...and I'm an even bigger fan now. Within the system, I'm still placing Lewis as #1 because his latest setback doesn't remove him from the top based on talent and potential. We've seen just how talented he is and how good he might be. So he's still #1 on my list with Lee just behind. In my personal opinion, the one objection I have is something stated early in the OP. I just don't understand an immediate thought/opinion that Lee won't be a SS. He's not Martin being pushed in to SS after seldom ever playing it in hopes his athleticism MIGHT translate there. Lee IS a SS by trade and experience and ability. Some SS are athletic marvels with quickness and speed and amazing arms who are just naturals. Some have great positioning, smarts and instincts with good hands and a good arm and are just very good at SS without having a special "splash" ability, but just make play after play consistently. I can think of a lot of very good SS that fit this category over the years from Ripken to Blauser to maybe even Correa who isn't exactly some speed demon athlete. So if I'm the Twins, I'm keeping him at SS as long as possible. Lee should finish at CR to help the playoff push. (A couple games at AA isn't going to matter in his development.) But he's going to be at Wichita to begin 2023. How long he stays there is up to him. There's a good chance he's at St Paul mid year. As a side note, it's very possible Lee's presence pushes Martin to the OF on a permanent basis, and for his benefit.

Not uncommon to see an A ball player jump to AAA on a temporary basis. While it's always been weird to me when it happens, it's to fill in a spot for a week or so until said injured player is back and then the A ball player goes back. I think it also depends on depth in the system. If you have a full roster at A ball, why not sneak a guy up for a week or so, everyone plays, and again, you return the deomote the young player back again. It's really just a shuffling of the chairs, so to speak, for a week or so in place of signing someone off the street.

With all due respect to St Paul, who I'm sure wants to finish the year as strong as possible, I'd have Wallner and Varland both up to finish 2022, gain valuable experience, and use it as a stepping stone for 2023. Varlqnd should be able to get in at least a pair of starts. Wallner may start cold, but what's he going to do? Be worse than the injured and non-existant Kepler? Kepler's had like 2 good days in over 2 months. I would have had Helman up a month ago instead of Cave when down to our 8th OF and were facing a slew of LHSP. At least he's RH, can play all over, and is young enough to have a future. IDK, maybe you still give him a shot. What good are Hamilton and Hamilton doing for you at this point?

100% But just to add to the discussion, it's also about FREQUENCY of their arm build up, not just IP. College and HS arms, with little exception, only pitch once a week until pro ball. Then it becomes not only a longer season, but at times starting twice a week. Additionally, I think some forget at times that SP aren't the only arms being developed. While those arms are perhaps the most "important" ones in the system, teams are still trying to develop potential bullpen arms as well. They need to throw as well in order to develop. Not unlike developing the entire roster as well. It's part of the reason catchers will spend time at DH and 1B in order to keep working on hitting skills but also let everyone also get turns behind the dish. Got to play to develop.

I think the title of the OP should be longer, and more accurate, by reading something like "The Twins are built for a possible single short series win in October". Ted is pretty clear in the OP that the Twins aren't a WS contender. No stretch there to be sure. But I do agree with the basic premise that if they actually can rally a bit and finish decently and win the ALC, they have a chance to actually win a playoff series for the first time in YEARS. As ALC Champs, they would be playing a 3 game series against a team NOT at the top of the mountain. A team of comparable ability. With a much improved bullpen, some combination of Gray, Ryan, Bundy...maybe Varland?...actually winning a 3 game series is not a stretch. I have no illusions of the Twins making any noise in the post season beyond a possible 1st round win. But I remain hopeful to get that opportunity and possible victory. Ending the year doing so is a lot more fun way to end the season than staying home.

What frustrates me the most, while acknowledging the OP and the horrible record presented there, is the losses against teams like the recent Texas series, at HOME, against a team no better than us, and probably not as good. I can accept an IL that you could almost build a team with. I can accept losing to the top teams in MLB and needing to improve to have a chance against them. But I am very frustrated by the number of losses against the teams we are as good as or better than. If we had just taken care of business against those teams, Cleveland included, we're in 1st place in the ALC right now. And I'm more frustrated about thus at the moment.

1} I like the pitch clock and I like it even more that the batter is part of the equation and held responsible as well. I love not having a clock in baseball, but human rain delays on the mound and in the batter's box just slow the game unnecessarily. The clock itself will be a non-factor within a couple seasons as milb seemed to adapt very easily. 2} I like the larger bases for player safety. I can easily see the extra couple inches can make a real difference to avoid collisions and awkward steps. I'm not yet convinced about an increase in stolen bases. Does a 3" difference really make it easier to steal a bag? I mean, it will probably help eliminate over-slides, but fielders now have an extra inch and a half or two to snare a ball on a close play. So is there really an advantage? I'm unconvinced but I do like the player safety issue. 3} Not sure I like the pitcher only being able to throw over twice. Twice, right? I'm more than OK with a limitation to avoid the tedious games of catch we see at times when a pitcher is trying to control the pace. I mean, I get it, but things really draaaag. But I question if 2 is the proper amount. And if I'm wrong on the number, then forget what I just said. LOL 4} I really do like the defensive shift limitations. And that's the key word, "limitations". Nobody said the OF can't shift, or come in closer, or play deeper. A SS or 2B can play right up on the 2B bag, he just can't cross it to overload a single side. Nor can an infielder now play like a softball rover in the grass. I love the over-shifts when it benefits the Twins pitching/defense and I hate the over-shifts when it hurts the Twins offensive production. LOL But it's going to even out, overall, for all teams. I just like a SS playing SS and a 2B playing 2B and making the field a more "neutral" environment in the melee between hitter and pitcher, and the supporting defense behind him.

I've been really pleased in that, as a rookie, we could have easily seen some real struggles despite his successful, late 2021 appearances. I've been a little disappointed in his second half as it sure seemed like his slider was more consistent early on. But I have to wonder if fatigue is part of the issue. Really, not sure what more could have been expected or hoped for in his rookie season. I like his mentality and intelligence and work ethic. I believe his secondary stuff WILL improve via work and experience. The question remaining, of course, is to what degree. I just don't believe in overly projecting rookies as being a future this or that or not future this or that. I've seen too many washouts and too many "mid rotation" arms become legit #1-2's to play that game. But just based on what I've seen so far, I think he's probably a really solid/good #3 with a #4 floor. Don't know that he's got the pure stuff to rise to #2 status. Just too much overall improvement needed at this time to climb that high. But I like what I've seen and I think he's got a nice future.

I'm just not going to get in to a debate about Jeffers and his value other than a couple comments. I think he calls a good game and has the trust of his staff. I still think that's the most important element to being a backstop. And I know some of his defensive numbers are lower this year than last. These things happen, and are fluid, like a lot of numbers. And while I don't know how good he will ultimately be offensively, I don't believe we've seen him hit his mark yet. Personally, I like him and he's part of 2023 for sure. It's beyond that, that is the issue. Despite defensive improvement and a good arm, and apparently a good teammate with experience, Sanchez is just not a good hitter. And he had greatly declined before coming to the Twins. In Jeffer's case, there is optimism to be better. But the initial ML hitter Sanchez showed earlier in his career is not who he is now. I had been impressed enough with him during portions of the season to be interested in his re-signing as the co-catcher, or however you want to look at it. I'm just not so sure any longer, especially considering how he may price himself. But what FA option out there is the right one to target? Right now, I have no clue for a better option, and that really frustrates me. Buenolas, (sp) has defensive chops but can't hit. Carmago is really stepping forward and showing some life, but won't be ready for 2023 IDK. Isola and Williams have the bats, but spend as much time at 1B/DH as they do behind the plate. Either MIGHT still develop well enough defensively to be legitimate. But right now, at this moment, each is more of a LeCroy 3rd catcher which we don't need or have room for. Leon back on a milb deal might be nice as an insurance policy. But AAA is going to be very crowded already with all the "potential" catchers who need more time and aren't ready to step in for 2023. A trade or guessing right in FA is going to be an under the radar but very important part of the 2023 roster. Maybe Sanchez on a lower than expected deal is the answer. I wish I knew.

An interesting article, and I see both sides on this matter quite clearly. On the positive side of things, Maeda has been a stalwart. Despite there being "some" concern his arm might snag the injury bug, he sure looked good for years, including 2020, and looked as good or better in ST 2021 before things went south. Is it Price that's been pitching year after year with a similar projection but never had surgery yet? Can't recall if I'm remembering correctly. But I don't think Maeda was acquired as "high risk". Mahle has been very solid, very consistent in his young career. Over 30 GS in 2021, yes? He looked good after a IL this year and looked good his first few starts with the Twins. There seems to be no real indication to predict and injury situation with him other than his stint with the Reds earlier this year. But guys get tweaks at times. Unless the Reds and the Twins were just blind, I don't know that I can include him as a "risky" acquisition either. Dyson cost very little, would have helped if healthy, but was basically pitching in pain and lying to all parties. An investigation in to the matter determined the Giants had no knowledge of his being injured. The "bad" to me is Paddack. I'm not going down the rabbit hole again concerning the trade itself. I've got nothing against the guy and I've stated many times that I wouldn't be at all surprised if a year from now most of us are clamoring for an extension despite having control for 2024. But for someone you wanted/needed for 2022, there were massive red flags indicating the Twins should have struck for someone earlier, or looked elsewhere for a trade option. Sorry, but I do believe in bad luck. Or bad fortune, or whatever you want to call it. But it also happens to other teams as well. HOWEVER, I DO THINK you can mitigate better "luck" by just being "safer" in some of your choices. The Twins knew Pineda, for example, had some past concerns. But he was relatively inexpensive and contributed quite a bit and was mostly healthy in his tenure. And while I wasn't entirely sold on the Archer signing, for the most part, he's done what was initially expected, though he has yet to "climb the mountain" to be better. Were the front 3 better from the begining and the bullpen not such a mess to begin with, he would have filled the 5th spot "adequately", though I would have aimed higher initially and not signed him. But again, Paddack should never have been acquired as a major piece because just about everyone knew he was destined for another surgery. So you can't always predict, but you can, at times, just be smarter and maybe pay a little more for someone that appears to have a more clean medical report card. I don't know that there's any real pattern here, but where there's smoke, fire might not be far behind. And I do believe a more thorough examination of past moves is very much in order to try to prevent future negative situations. Related, and built on speculation, Rodon has been strongly tied to the Twins last offseason and during the trade deadline this year. He's a guy the Twins like, and I do as well. Apparently, the Dirty Sox were out on him due to $ and possible future injury. The Giants jumped and he has had a good year and is expected to opt out for a longer deal. If the $ and terms are there, would the Twins make a move this offseason? Or would they be asking for trouble?

Look, I'm just spitballing my own thoughts here, but I do think anticipation is meeting frustration on a virtual battlefield at the moment. And I'm as frustrated as hell to see "the plan" come to fruition. Because the original "plan" made a lot of sense to me: "augment and promote and we're going to see changes soon". And so far, it hasn't worked. We can say Ober is NOT a success yet because he hasn't performed long term after getting hurt this year. Ditto for Winder, who looked pretty good the first couple of months. But if they are healthy in 2023, do we do a sudden rewind and give kudos? Not every Cleveland success story was a SP drafted and developed by them. Some were acquired via trade. So over 2023 and beyond if Ryan keeps getting better and SWR actually turns out to be a quality SP, do we credit the Twins or the teams that drafted them? Not so different than Duran becoming a top of the league RP here in 2022. Is that credit to the Twins? Or are they just benefactors from a trade made a few years ago? Varland has been on the rise since drafted, just like Winder. He looked good in his debut. Hopefully he's a part of a new wave of quality young arms that help make a difference. What the Twins CAN'T DO is consistently sign $25M+ pitchers, or survive with mediocre SP, or continue to trade away potential young arms to fill out their rotation. SOME of that, yes, it's how you build a good team. And I'm as sick and tired as anyone at watching injuries seemingly happen at every turn at the ML level and the milb level. But in reality, 2021 and 2022 are the first years in which the prospects have just been arriving. Ober and Winder are not failures at this point. Ryan looks good, and he's a Twin now, and his future success and development is as a Twin. Same with SWR if and when he comes up. A healthy and back on track Balazovic in 2023 could go a long, long way to building this rotation. Varland being the solid arm we hope he can be will do the same. And yes, there remain a few really interesting arms lower in the system that bear watching. Again, I'm as frustrated as anyone the proverbial "pipeline" hasn't delivered what was hoped for yet. But again also, the prospects only started to arrive in 2021 and this year. Someone mentioned Berrios as an example. Great. Loved him, big fan. He stunk his first season. But at least he was never hurt, grant you that. I'm withholding my final vote on the FO until next year. I want to see the arms they've traded for...via prospects...be healthy and productive. And I want to see the young arms who have just recently debuted...or are close to doing so... also be healthy and productive. And if I don't see positive results atnthat point, then I'm going to be talking about failure.

No matter any issues I had with the construction of the team, primarily the bullpen, my absolute #1 WORST part of this season is ABSOLUTELY INJURIES. And I don't know how anyone, IMO, can debate that. Despite any misgivings about Paddack or Mahle, (who sure looked healthy when traded for and his first 3 starts), Alcala and Winder could have made a major difference. Even with Kepler being an almost zero factor after his foot injury, what kind of difference might a healthy Larnach and Kirilloff and Lewis have made? Ever think you would actually miss Garlick after we ran through a veritable gauntlet of LHSP for a while there? And, sorry for those who don't like him, but losing Jeffers was a big blow, IMO. My greatest wish for 2023...along with a handful of moves...is to just see better health overall for the Twins and to actually see the team, ON THE FIELD, that the Twins could potentially employ. Man would I like to see that. 2] Sticking with a single, detrimental arm like Pagan, stubbornly, for so long and after so much history of poor performance was hugely disappointing. When the pen is bailing out water in the boat the best they can and he kept pouring buckets right back in was inexcusable. Whether they made an earlier trade or auditioned ANYBODY the results couldn't have been worse. 3] Sanchez has been a slight disappointment to me. I wasn't expecting anything great. I hoped for better defense, and I think we got that. I hoped for his power and OK OB ability to remain with just a "nudge" in his batting toward the positive. And really, there's been none of that. When crunch time happened and he was given opportunity, he didn't come through. Time to move on. 4] I know I'll get pushback on this, but I've been disappointed in Correa. I've become a fan. I like the guy. I love his defense, despite metrics saying he's had a down year. I'm not saying he hasn't been a great teammate or leader or that I want him gone. But while it's easy to point to OPS+ and other statistics and saying he's doing just fine, I think numbers can ring hollow at times. Again, I like him. He's a good ballplayer. He's done some nice things here in 2022. But it just seem to me he's come through near often enough in key moments. Maybe it's perspective. I can spill out my thoughts about some missed offseason opportunities by the FO, but we're talking about the SEASON, and not the offseason here. So I'm leaving it at that.

Still love my Twins, of course, but am going to have to beg a little forgiveness here due to a combination of 5 game frustration and my first battle with covid has had me out of the loop a little bit for the past 6 days. (Been on my back pretty much until making it back to work today). I didn't watch the game, only followed along with GameDay. Looks like Varland did a tremendous job. Very happy for him and proud of his performance. I'm not in a position to debate whether Varland should have remained in, but, rookie debut, it SEEMS it was the right time to pull him before facing Judge a 3rd time. Considering how good Jax has been, a rookie when the season began and making such a good transition to the pen, I have a hard time blasting him for giving up the run he did. Really, the bullpen did their job for most of the game it appears. My goodness is Duran a weapon! From what I've read and the box, feels like the undermanned offense still had chances but didn't come through? I hate laying the blame on one guy, especially when we get to the 12 inning, but I really wish Megill wasn't the guy in that spot. I thought the Twins might have found something in him for a while, but he's been as un-reliable as Pagan for weeks now. And I know with all the injuries the pickings are slim for the last few spots in the pen right now, but I would have rather seen a kid like Sisk up, and the veteran Peacock to help fill those last spots for a good week or so now. Not saying the outcome would have been different today, but when guys aren't getting it done, why not give the talented prospect and the experienced veteran looking good again a shot? Tip of the cap to Varland. I wouldn't be surprised to see him finish the year with the Twins.

Going to need Winder up soon, but probably in the rotation and not the pen, though we could still use consistent long arms there. (Sanchez, Smeltzer, and Sands may be able to handle that role for now.) And it looks like either SWR or Varland are going to get an early shot if the Twins arms keep dropping

Great step for Balazovic. He needs to get right and I believe he will. Still think the early knee issue and late start just messed with his mechanics and then with his head. I still consider him a top prospect unless he proves otherwise in 2023. I expect a huge turnaround. Losing CES in trade stunk because I think his bat has a chance to be pretty special, and I saw him as a possible replacement for Kirilloff at 1B if AK's wrist doesn't come round. But low and behold, Williams is having a monster year, best one of his career, and at 2 different levels. Good timing to break out!

I agree with waiting to see on all listed. Balazovic has the frame, and stuff, to be an anchor in a rotation. He has shown stuff, development, and continued growth throughout his advancement and made top 100 lists for a reason. SOMETHING has happened in 2022 with his body and his head to mess him up. Even if "healthy" is he feeling discomfort? Did his mechanics get screwed up and his head isn't right? You just DON'T give up on a talented arm after a bad season. You look for a re-set. We can argue all day long about Canterino and whether his arm was destined to implode due to college use or physical construction and it was only a matter of time. At this point, it doesn't matter. Healthy again after surgery, he still has a chance for a nice career, because a healthy Canterino has amazing stuff. Now, to be honest, despite amazing results we've all seen in the past, not everyone comes back. He could still be an outstanding stuff SP at age 26 with a shortened career, or a brilliant RP. The point is, either way, he can still have a fine career and be a PLUS arm either way, just not the length of a career hoped for or initially expected. That's a hell of a lot better than no career. In retrospect, I just wish the surgery had been done earlier. The guy I'm most concerned about is Martin. Were I in charge, I would have NEVER had him miss an entire year and then push him to AA. The Jay's made that mistake and the Twins added to it, after the fact, by acquiring him and making a lateral move with him. And to be fair, he WAS hitting and showing some bat control and ability, etc. Again, top prospect doesn't play for a year and then goes straight to AA AND is playing a position he's barely played before. Contrast that to the Twins handling of Lee this year, a very comparable player, who just gets his feet wet in the FCL, and then jumps to A+ where he's expected to do well and IS doing well. Now, whether after instructs and the offseason he jumps straight to AA Wichita or spends a few weeks at CR is debatable and TBD. But he's going to be at AA soon, if not right away. Compare that now to Marting not playing at all in 2020 and going straight to AA in 2021 and again, playing a mostly foreign position. If someone can't see the basic difference regarding simple indoctrination to pro ball, I'm not sure what to tell say. IMO, despite reports Martin is improving at SS, I'd be looking hard at what makes him COMFORTABLE. Find what makes him COMFORTABLE as a hitter and let him do THAT with continued advice and coaching to maximize his ability. And if he and you, as the Twins, just see him as an OF who can cover 3B/2B, his previous positions, then MAKE THE MOVE and make him an OF with a few games here and there at 3B/2B to keep his hand in play as a fill-in. IMO, he's been messed around enough. Let him play the OF...which we're told he's natural at, and give up the SS experiment, and just let him play and bat. I'd send him to the AFL and let him play the OF exclusively and just hit freely based on what feels natural.

Looked at all of his numbers by season as well as ML career hoping to find a positive sign. I don't see one. Pagan part 2 where a hard throwing 29yo is suddenly going to be transformed by the Twins in to something different and better than he's ever been before? I'm not buying it.

Lots to say! 1] Moral victories don't mean much, but the Twins didn't roll over and die in Houston. They are a good team that I would love to watch healthy, but they haven't given up. 2] LOVED watching Rocco in the dugout talking to Gordon after he sent Garlick up to PH. Anyone else notice that? The message was clear, it was the right move at the right time despite a negative result. But Rocco was instilling belief in Gordon at that moment. I thought it was awesome. 3] The pen was outstanding. What more can be said? Too bad Bundy couldn't have gotten one more out. 4] Urshela!! He was a fan favorite in NY, and he's a fan favorite with the Twins. The guy is just a good ballplayer! There is nothing great about anything he does, if we're being honest. He's a good fielder who makes some great plays, but he's average to above average overall. He's an OK hitter with decent power but not great in any way. Just look at the numbers. They don't lie. He's not great in any measure. But he sure is a good "ballplayer" to have on your team. I have a hard time giving him $8-9M in arbitration to keep him. But if the Twins could settle on a number that makes sense, I'd really like to have him back in 2023. Could discuss using him as a temp backup SS, or expand his limited experience but ability to play 1B/2B, but I'd just really like to see him back if the numbers work out.

I like your optimism Jimbo, I really do. Not sure I agree with Maeda and Buxton being "young talent", even though Buck isn't exactly OLD. And I think you're premature in regard to Martin and Lee. One is trying to figure himself out still and one is just too young and inexperienced yet to expect anything in 2023. You might have included Julien as a possible, but Canterino is out until 2024, barring a miraculous recovery. But you're not wrong with the other names mentioned. HEALTH is a HUGE part of 2023, and not just Buck. A healthy Maeda is big. A healthy Jeffers makes a difference, even though some don't like him. How much better is the offense with a healthy Larnach and Kirilloff? How much better with the talented and dynamic Lewis if he gets 100% by June? Winder healthy, Sands healthy...maybe in the pen...and Balazovic, Varland, SWR, and a few others pitching to their ability in the rotation and the pen. You're not wrong to be optimistic. And while the Twins absolutely need to add a few pieces, the nucleus is there. But I'm not so sure HEALTH isn't the #1 thing the Twins need for 2023. Aren't we due????

Never expected him back. But really hoped he might be to help, but mostly to shake off a little rust. I don't know what it is about Maeda, might be his stuff, his experience, or his mindset, but I've just always felt that as long as he's healthy, he would be just fine when he came back. He doesn't have to be the Cy Young 2020 candidate version of himself, or the ST 2021 version, working on a 5th pitch, and looking just as good or better before his arm blew up. All he has to be is 100% healthy and just be his normal self. If he is that, the Twins won't have a "Verlander" type of #1....but how many teams do....but even without an addition they could have 4 #2 SP who will sometimes pitch like a #1 ACE-type. Not saying I wouldn't add an arm, just saying a 100% healthy Maeda makes a difference in 2023 whether he pitches a single inning this year or not.

Your not wrong. Their general philosophy has been, as a mid-market team, if we have to cut payroll somewhere, the pen is the place to do so. In theory, that's legitimate. You can have a couple great arms, and find others between FA and prospects with good stuff who can transition, or get their feet wet in the pen before moving back to the rotation as the Cardinals are reputed as doing. And to be fair, they've had a few solid signings and trade arms and transition arms. I made a comment that the FO has been learning, to some degree, on the fly. And I think that's fair. When you're put in charge, you have a plan. When that plan doesn't work, you have to adjust. Duran and Jax are examples this year. The trade for Lopez, who they have control of, and Fulmer, who might be an easy re-sign, are examples, IMO. Injuries have really deprived them of options. Winder is a top SP prospect, but found success as a middle/long man who slid in to the rotation when needed. They've done that with Smeltzer as well, in similar fashion. Not so sure Sands wouldn't already be in a mid spot if not due to injury. Now, I have no answer as to why Pagan is still around other than injuries and inconsistent performances from some young arms and left as a sort of "last man standing" and just hoping for the best, but I think the FO is starting to realize that there is a difference between cheap and hopeful vs frugal and smart in the pen. Learning, growing, and changing/adapting is good. Stubbornly holding to precepts gets you nowhere. IMO, the FO seems to be adapting. I don't believe they will spend big on the pen in 2023, unless Duran is sudden placed in the rotation, but I don't believe they will ignore it so horribly as they did to begin 2022.

I agree with a lot of what you said. And yes, the Twins can afford to keep Correa, though I'm not sure about the $25M. Now, I've become a big fan of Correa, despite his limited production here in 2022. And I have little doubt his bat will rebound in 2023, wherever he's at. But based solely on his production this year, my question...to myself if nobody else...is are the Twins better of spending his $35M around the ENTIRETY of the team and fill in the best as possible at SS, especially with hopes of Lewis back in June? Not saying I have the answer, but it sure seems plausible that his moving on might lead to overall roster improvement. While we generally agree on needs, I'm still wondering about spending some real $ on a RH OF to potentially replace Garlick as a better overall player.