DocBauer

I will politely disagree. I enjoy a 3 man booth often. In tonight's game, what I enjoy is the perspective of a hitter and a pitcher in the booth. While I, as a fan, enjoyed Blyleven, I did understand some opinions that he had become a bit of the "grumpy old man". But even at the end, I really thought he shined when there was a 3rd person in the booth. He had the wherewithal to ask questions and open up discussion with whoever joined in. My guilty pleasure was when Kaat or another veteran was in the booth to share some great stories. I do appreciate the fact that sometimes there can be too much talking. I enjoy Smalley when he's in the booth even though others don't. He sometimes talks too much, and will repeat himself, but he's smart and I like what he has to say. There are enough "quiet moments" during a game that "talk" doesn't bother me. Maybe it's because I spent decades just listening to the radio before the internet allowed me to watch the game. But comparing anyone to Scully isn't really fair. First and foremost, he was the primary play by play guy, and not the color guy. And he was also tremendous at allowing room for his color sidekick to shine. I think Dick is pretty good at that. But Scully was the greatest play by play of all time. Only Herb Carneal, IMO, was anywhere close.

To be honest, Bundy has surprised me. He's not great. But he's been durable and solid, as well as pretty consistent. He's got a real bulldog mentality, doesn't walk many, and keeps the Twins in most every game for 5 innings. He's clearly a smart pitcher. I keep thinking how many years in the past we'd of loved to have him as our #5? I think his "value" to this team is underappreciated a bit due to struggles from the pen as well as frustrating injuries to other arms and Archer still sitting there as a 4 inning arm. I wouldn't be upset if he was brought back, but I think $11M would be high when I think the Twins can and should aim higher. Of course, there are some financial questions we just don't know about at this point, meaning Correa, but that's a different discussion for a different day. Pagan, to me, is simple. With a 3yr history of poor results that have continued to trend in 2022, and responsible for double digit losses that have almost single handedly kept the Twins from being in 1st place in the ALC, he should have been gone already. You CAN'T run a state of the art analytics team and NOT be able to look beyond beyond velocity and K's to see poor results that AREN'T NEW in his career. You're just not going to strike gold with a 31yo arm that will be 32 in May next year and expect different results! Even as fans and amateur GM's we can see him pitch OK one day, and get nailed the next. For giggles, Megill probably doesn't have a big future for the Twins. His stuff is as good, and probably better, than Pagan. At 28yo, 29 in December, at least he offers a CHANCE to be viable for a couple of years as late bloomer with a change of scenery. Maybe. But almost 4yrs of Pagan, he is what he is. I don't know if the FO is being stubborn on Pagan, or if injuries and some poor performances from younger arms are "forcing" them to keep him as a middle man for now. But if it was me, he would have been gone after the deadline and I'd be trying almost any arm at St Paul to provide middle relief.

I think this wonderful news and long overdue. My one concern might be dues for the union, and I really have no clue what those dues might cost. The recent raise in wages and provided housing for the majority of milb has been a nice change, again overdue. And I would dare so being unionized would further increase wages and allow for payment during instructs and the such. So covering union tithes may not be a big deal. I had forgotten about Manfred's rather ridiculous comments. (Shaking my head). Now, to be fair, if your housing is paid for during the season, and if the club provides 2 quality meals per day, I don't think the players are necessarily at a poverty level with the recent raises. But how good is the housing? What quality are the 2 meals per day? And I think those are important considerations going forward. And while the current raises in pay aren't insignificant, there has to be room to bump those salaries, especially in the lower levels. Additionally, the parent clubs aren't subsidizing as many players/teams as they used to. And while some milb clubs are in smaller locales, where the cost of living is undoubtedly smaller, some are in fairly large communities. Think St Paul for instance. This is a good start and really pleased to see the MLBPA take this first step. I hope they are honest and earnest in their attempts. Sure sounds like they are.

He offers quality CF defense as a starter and #9 hitter or a late inning defensive replacement. He also offers ability as a PR. I guess as a 13th man there is some value there. Other than that? I honestly can't think of any reason to bring him up barring yet another injury. I'd rather stick with Gordon and Celestino day in and day out until Buck comes back.

All due respect to Cave, who came up with a clutch hit late Saturday, I still can't understand why Helman wasn't brought up either in place of Cave or the recently returned Beckham. He's having the best season of his career, is an actual OF, (unlike Beckham), can fill infield spots, and is actually RH. If the Twins were going to clear spots for and Beckham, I would have rather seen a young talent like Helman get an opportunity. He might surprise, and he was a better fit need wise than either of the other two.

No, it's not too early to look towards 2023. I do it often, and have been since July, way before our recent fade. If you're just giving up on 2022, then it's too early. There is still a realistic chance they can pick it up and make a run at the ALC. And I'm still focused on that. But there's nothing wrong with still looking forward for fun and conversation and projection. Three major questions that make it really tough to project 2023: 1] Does Correa return? If he's back, you are expecting/hoping he returns to his previous offensive ability. With him, the Twins can still afford to add payroll, and they need to, without jumping to some crazy high mark. (Buxton gets a bump, as will a couple others, but nothing to truly handcuff finances, and there are others coming off the payroll). If Correa is gone, the Twins have a TON of money to work with. While I've become a fan and really like Correa, I have to wonder...based on production this season...are the Twins better off without him and spending the money elsewhere? It's not that he isn't good/great and might not reach great heights again in 2023, but I'm talking about replacement of production from 2022. 2] Health. Can the Twins really and truly feel good about a return to health of Larnach and Kirilloff. Those two greatly influence any sort of roster construction for 2023. And that's a real issue because if in serious doubt, your 2023 plans have to include another bat. 3] Does Duran remain in the pen or move back to the rotation? We've heard whispers he wants to start. The potential there is intriguing to be sure! But are the whispers true? Maybe he's loving being a BP fireman. Maybe he sticks there. Where he's at changes the complexion of the roster. Nothing about Larnach's injuries yell chronic. And for now, I'm going to make the assumption that AK's new procedure will actually alleviate his wrist problem. Optimistic? Yes. But in theory, what they've done makes sense. NEEDS: 1] One more good to great SP. Good is good, great is better. I have my eye on Rodon as he's been tied to the Twins in serious discussions twice now. He has some risk. But if you want to get better as a mid market team, you have to take some risks once in a while. Correa gone makes this possibly happen. With Correa, the Twins might have to look a notch lower. But better than Bundy and Archer is a must to take the next step, regardless of young arms like Ober and Winder. History clearly shows SOMETHING will happen. 2] One good, solid bullpen arm. If you end up moving Duran back to the rotation, then this becomes a higher and more expensive priority. A re-sign of Fulmer might just satisfy this need if Duran sticks in the pen. 3] Another quality catcher is a must. Whether you like him or not, and I'm not going to debate worth, Jeffers is liked by the coaches, the FO, and the pitching staff, which is most important. But he needs a solid partner. Sanchez is just not the answer. Nor is Leon. I'd LOVE to have Leon back on a milb deal as the 3rd catcher. I like his game calling enough and defense I'd have to consider him on the 40 man. But I don't think that will be necessary. I'd love a LH hitting option to pair with Jeffers, but it doesn't matter as much as just a good staff handler with solid defense and a bat that isn't embarrassing. POSSIBLES: 1] A LH BP arm to fill a middle spot. Thielbar will be back, and he should be. Do the Twins trust in Moran, Sisk, and even Smeltzer to fill a role? I'd take Coulombe back in a heartbeat on a milb deal for "break glass", but it would be nice to have a 2nd LH arm in the pen from SOMEWHERE. 2] Garlick has been a surprising contributor last year and this year against LHP. But how about looking for a better version of him for a few $M who is perhaps better defensively? Not a knock on Garlick at all, but why not aim higher? 3] Do we need a fill-in option at SS until Lewis is ready? Do we just trust Palacios in a temp role? Maybe an inexpensive signing to compete with Palacios? 4] If there are any serious doubts about Kirilloff, the Twins are going to have to consider another 1B/DH to fill out the lineup and provide production. Arraez and Miranda play there, but no AK, another bat could be huge even if it's not an All Star slugger. C] Jeffers/FA 1B] Kirilloff 2B] Polanco SS] Palacios or filler until Lewis is ready. 3B] Miranda LF] Larnach CF] Buxton RF] Kepler DH] Arraez (plays 2B and 1B, just listing him here) BENCH] Urshela, Gordon, Celestino, Garlick or FA Yes, that's 14 when the roster only has room for 13. But I'm allowing 1 extra spot due to injury and roster manipulation at this point. ROTATION: Mahle Ryan Gray Maeda FA DEPTH: Paddack mid year, Winder, Ober, Balazovic, SWR, Varland, Sands, and possibly Dobnak, Smeltzer and maybe even Sanchez. BULLPEN: Duran Lopez Fulmer or FA Thielbar Jax Alcala TBD (all SP depth along with Stashak, Moran, Sisk, Cotton, Megill, etc, and possible solid veteran FA) TBD Lineup will vary, but Arraez, Polanco, Buxton, Miranda, AK, and Larnach make up the top 6 most days. Kepler, catcher of the day and SS make up the bottom third until Lewis back. A healthy Lewis is probably slated in the top 3 in the order once back. The Twins can avoid being absolutely snakebit with for a 3rd year in a row with injuries, I'd go to war in 2023 with that team and actually expect to make some noise.

I don't disagree with anything you said. But to clarify, I think any first time manager will learn and adapt as things move along. If he can't learn and grow and adapt, then he shouldn't keep his job. If something doesn't work the way you intended, then you adapt and change. When you are hit with massive injuries, you also need to try something different. And that applies to the FO as well. If one approach...say too many short arms in the pen but no middle/long relief options, you crumple up the previous plan, toss it away, and change your approach. So I think it's fair to say Rocco and the FO are still "learning as they go" and adapting. Neither has been in their exact roles before, so despite lots of good things done, not everything has worked right, so you learn, grow, and adapt. Now, I they can't or won't do that, then they shouldn't be in charge. And I guess that's more of what I meant to say.

Going to try and say all of my thoughts clearly and succinctly, even though they might not be popular. And for MY thoughts, I have to at least touch on the FO because I think they are tied to Rocco. I largely love and support most everything the FO has done since day one in regard to drafts and the entire revamp of the milb system. I think they've mostly made very smart trades. But I've been critical when they've made mistakes, IMO. And without re-visiting this past offseason, I didn't hate the Bundy signing, but really didn't like the Archer signing. I really liked the idea of Cueto. That's been proven to be an error. I love the Gray trade, and the trade acquisitions. I hated not brining in a RH bat and trusting in Celestino. And I really like the potential of Celestino, but I wanted someone more experienced/proven. And I absolutely hated NOT adding a proven pen arm! All of this to say.... ...Rocco has had to deal with the roster presented to him and do the best he can. So, bullet points: 1] Injuries have been extremely detrimental to the club. I just don't see how that can be argued. We can forever discuss Paddack...who might turn out great in the long run...but Winder, AK, Larnach, etc, the injuries have just compiled. Ever think, for a moment, that losing Garlick would be major? He filled a certain role. Depth became obliterated in late June, early July. I mean, Sands of all people was actually looking like a potential middle inning arm and gets hit on the arm by a hard liner. What happens next? When Cave is your 7th or 8th OF, how do you even construct a viable lineup? 2] The idea of just trusting in the pen on the cheap is smart if you can do it right. But ONE addition just wasn't smart! Now, it's nobody's fault that Alcala was injured. But it IS someone's fault that Pagan was allowed to turn a potential 8-10 game lead was turned in to a 2-3 game lead. Is that on Rocco or stubbornness from the FO? And while I have disagreed at times with Rocco's choices, he can only deal with what he has on hand. 3] Managing the TEAM on a daily basis is where I have issues with Rocco. I can question a few pen moves here and there, but he might be way more right than I am. But some silly base running and defensive miscues here and there make me wonder about concentrating on the basics. It's one thing to be a player's manager, but it's another thing....especially being a former player...to NOT work on the basics and drill things in to your players to do just do things right! Is that so much to ask? 4] We can talk all day about stretching SP out. The game has changed. Late in the season, Rocco has been clear about allowing opportunity to do so. But the pitchers have to respond! Is "saving" arms worthwhile? Is that on Rocco or the FO? I understand Archer being limited and Ryan as a rookie, but is there a point earlier in the season to bridge the gap? I suppose it goes back to the pen again. 5] Rocco is a former player, and young enough to remember what it's like to play the game. And he's actually done a few more bunts and such to try and make things happen. But when you are the worst team in baseball at advancing runners from 2B with less than 2 outs, why don't you try something different? Is Leon the ONLY bunter on the team? 6] HATE my opinion or not, I think the FO and Rocco are still "learning on the job". The FO has rebuilt the system the system, but are still in the "oh crap, we we need to look at THIS as a mistake. And Rocco needs to trust in himself more as a former player to just trust his gut as that former player to stick with a pitcher earlier in the year, or bunt to move a runner when the offense is struggling, or hit and run, etc. I think the best thing Rocco can do is quit being a "manager" every once in a while and just remember what it's like to be a "ballplayer". DRILL your team once in a while. You often win due to the small things. If you don't like the team you've been given, then have the guts to tell the FO what you need! It took until late July before he stated he wanted some long relief options. Duh! Is that on Rocco or the FO? Rocco is going nowhere for 2023. Again, as much as nobody wants to hear it, I think Rocco and the FO are learning and growing together. And if they can take everything they've seen in 2022, they have an opportunity to build a great 2023. The FO has an opportunity to add. Rocco has the opportunity to grow from everything from pitching handling to lineups and approach. That doesn't happen? Changes will have to be made.

I keep seeing the many, many Roadrunner cartoons I watched as a kid. BEWARE of ANYTHING marked ACME anywhere around Buxton or Target Field.

OK, just going to get this out of the way 1st. Like everyone else, I'm sick and tired of mentioning the lost 2020 season. But being sick and tired of it doesn't change the facts that all but a handful of prospects missed an entire season of playing and developing. (The "handful" were at an alternate site). Wallner may be 25 next season, but as a prospect he's equivalent to 24yo next year. I just don't believe a missed year can be so easily dismissed when we talk about the ages of players, more so college draftees. I'm actually optimistic about Wallner, but cautiously so. Others have watched him play defense, I haven't. But it seems like he runs "OK" based on doubles and an increase in his SB. Or is that luck? The arm sounds great. I do believe repetition, work, and coaching can iron out his defense to be at least solid. Am I wrong? He's probably always going to K quite a bit. But as pointed out above, his K percentage this year has actually declined per month, showing development and recognition. His OB and BB totals are relatively solid. And if he's nothing but a future K windmill, then why is he hitting in the .290's for the season? I'm thinking he can actually HIT and take some BB despite SO quite a bit. Is he a better HITTING version of Sano from the LH side? If so, there's real value in his offensive potential. I am curious in regard to his OPS being only a few points different in regard to facing LH/RH pitching. Is that 2022 or his career? Either way, it shows either consistency OR potential growth. I think it's easy to see him as a big guy with some errors and SO and think he's questionable as a ML player. I get it. And again, I'm CAUTIOUSLY optimistic. I don't think he's Rooker part 2. I see a guy who can run well enough for some doubles and a surprise in SB to think he's not exactly a statue and can work on his defense. I see a hitter who can actually HIT a little, takes some walks, and seems to be able to adapt and actually lower his K rate as time goes on. If what what was posted in the OP is accurate, he's far from an auto out against LHP. I like Larnach and AK better at this point in all regards, though Wallner probably has more pure HR power than either, TBD. And he has to CONTINUE to grow defensively as well as offensively, proving he can continue to do what he's been doing, which is be a hitter with decent OB and average. But I think he grew a lot between the AFL and this current season. Again, I'm cautiously optimistic but I wouldn't bet against him at this point. Constant growth is a good sign.

I do believe analytics play a smart and important part in what the Twins do. I also believe there remains room for some old fashioned ball play and gut instinct and belief in your players. Not sure the Twins have found the right balance just yet. Ryan is a rookie, Gray has missed some time, Ober has missed a bunch of time, basically every OF has been hurt. Now Mahle isn't quite right. Injuries have really hurt the club and that can't be denied. I read recently, I believe here at TD, that the Twins were in the top 5 of MLB in games missed. However you want to look at it, or spin it, injuries have been a factor. I pegged the Twins at 88 wins this year with a shot at 92. And after the first few months, I looked pretty smart. I didn't like the inactivity in the BP or rotation, but felt pretty good about the team as a whole coming in, knowing they would still need a move or two at some point. They've done that! But you can't win when you don't score runs and have a third of your lineup is bench and fill-in players. You can't score runs when you don't advance them or knock them in with your best players, Miranda excluded. BTW, this team is one of the best in OB% and avoiding K's and chase rates, etc. They are also the best in MLB at knocking in runners from 3B with less than 2 outs. But they are also amongst the worst at advancing or knocking in runners from 2B with less than 2 outs. Where is the disconnect there??? Healthy, I like so much about this team and it's potential. I like the trade moves. I think they're set up well for 2023 with a couple additions, even though I haven't given up on 2020 just yet. But the injuries are to the point I just don't know if they can recover to finish strong. And I am simply amazed how a team can have so much positive run production but just bottom out on a single KEY statistic. But I do know 2022 has been a lot more fun than 2021.

If it is impressive in any way, exit velocity, tremendous defensive play, triple, triple play, anything that is a great moment is something worth recognizing, especially if it shines a positive light on baseball to gain attention and interest. That's all good for baseball. Speaking directly to exit velocity, generally speaking, I don't care a ton. If Buxton hits 40HR on a season and all 40 just clear the fence, I don't care because they count the same. But at the same time...COME ON...he cranks a rocket that hits the 2nd deck isn't exciting?? It pumps me up, his team, and the fans. It's worth an extra fist pump. Anything done great is good, unless it's against the Twins, of course, lol.

Just STICKING someone in LF isn't an easy answer. You have to expect at least average defense or you are asking for trouble. Julien has played some OF, it's not foreign territory to him. Maybe he just lacks the ability to judge the ball off the bat? That's a major issue. Maybe he needs to stick to 1B/2B/3B, all of which he's played at some point. But I sure would work him hard at instructs and maybe the AFL in LF to see if he can stick there. At some point, always thought Larnach might take over RF and either Martin or Julien might settle in LF. If nothing else, Julien just being acceptable in LF increases roster/lineup flexibility and gets him on the field. Regarding Martin, the Twins have previously stated they believe he is an OF natural right now. Probably the reason they've been so determined to keep him at SS to see if he can actually develop and stick there. IMO, at some point, you have to make a decision that it just might not work and just let Martin play mostly OF and hope the bat comes around. Beckham is a filler RH bat because they don't have another one to call up. Cave is an OF filler because everyone else is injured. Honestly, even if you decide not to protect him, I'd just as soon see OF Helman up to play OF and provide a RH bat. Not sure he wouldn't hit better than Cave, provide a platoon option with Gordon, and fill a role until/if Garlick is ready. He's got talent, is having a solid season, and tossing Cave out there day after day isn't accomplishing anything at this point.

I think Moran has legitimate ML stuff. His BB are absolutely an issue, but haven't always been as high as this year. For whatever reason, there has been fluctuations over his career. He's got some velocity and a decent slider, but it's those pitches he needs to harness better, IMO, and not the change. And while his BB are unacceptable at any level, the K's are there and most of his numbers at the ML level are actually better than at AAA in almost the same number of IP. Weird. Sisk has had a good year, no doubt, great at AA and good at AAA last I looked. The Twins need a 2nd LHRP option and I'm not sure who that is going to be. Just might be a FA signed this offseason. But at some point, Moran and Sisk do deserve a look, or another look. It's up to Moran to PROVE he belongs, but he also deserves that next look see at some point. Biggest issue, IMO, is the middle relief now and going forward.

I have enough old school in me that I have mixed feelings about playing every NL team. On the one hand, it's fun to play someone "different" now and again. And while I enjoy inter league play, I've always embraced at least some separation between the leagues. But the NFL and NBA haven't had such stringent scheduling restrictions for years, so it's probably time to open things up a little more now, especially with the universal DH. I greatly dislike the Brewers match ups being mid week games. Each should be a 3 game weekend series for the sake of the fans for both teams, PERIOD. I also dislike so few games within the division late in the year. It takes away from potential excitement for a divisional run. To me, there has always been a lot if interest in 2, or even 3, teams going down to the wire the last month of the season to see who comes out on top of the division. Forget scoreboard watching, I want to see those teams play against one another with the division on the line. I don't know that this new schedule necessarily is necessarily "harder" on the Twins, or anyone else. Maybe. But there are "poor" teams in each league and every division. And at the end of the day the goal remains the same, win your division, and then shoot for a WC if you don't do that. Where I DO see a potential pitfall is a WC chase. There remains a financial discrepancy...not to be fixed any time soon...between markets. Now, those discrepancies aren't exact, and even some large market teams are simply bad at times. Money available doesn't always equate to success. Witness the Orioles and Angels as examples. But it could make the WC a little harder.

I never bought in to 10yrs and $350M. I mean, why not ASK for it? But just because the Rangers DID do similar doesn't mean anyone else is going to. Even with bad timing, it's still seemed strange someone didn't make a longer deal offer at least. But a year older, down year at the plate notwithstanding, why take $70M over 2yrs and try again when a 5 or 6 year deal now for "only" $30M per more than doubles that? Even $25M per more than doubles the $70M. So even if he wants to stay, even if $35M per is off the table, he's still smart to opt out and end up with a bigger payday than opting in. There's competition in the market this year yet again. And a lot of the top spending teams may be out, for all the reasons listed in the OP. He's going to get paid, no question. But I think it's more $30M-ish per for 5-7yrs.

Nowlin! Wow! I honestly hadn't paid attention to him when drafted. My initial reaction was "meh, probably an interesting BP option in a few years". But then I heard Seth mention him once and have been paying closer attention since. My goodness does he look interesting! Tons of velocity and K's while not being very big. Just have to wonder about his arsenal and is there makings of a true SP there.

Headrick and Enlow for sure. Headrick to get ready for AAA and possible ML help, and Enlow to get innings and get back on course like he was beginning to look before TJ. I've got Festa on my list. He seems to be a surprise and fast riser. Perfect choice, unless there is an IP concern in his first full year. And while just promoted to AAA, I've got SWR. He actually pitched little in 2021 and is very young. A good AFL sets him up well for 2023. Would they send a 5th arm? Can they? If so, it's a scramble between Bentley, Gross, Olson, etc, etc. Sabato is an easy choice. Despite being young, just promoted to AA, possessing tremendous power and high OB, and only in his 2nd season of play, he already looks like a potential bust and 2023 could be huge for him. Despite looking like his bat may play tomorrow, I'm thinking Julien is a perfect choice. Keep his momentum going and work hard on defense, including LF. Martin makes so much sense I don't even have to comment. The Twins HAVE to send at least one catcher. Are Isola and Williams 1B/DH bats who can actually catch? Need to know. And can Carmago eventually hit enough to have a ML career? I hadn't even thought about Holland, but it would make a lot of sense. He was a high pick, athletic, and didn't actually see the field until 2021. He hasn't put up anything close to good numbers but was recently promoted/challenged. Maybe he's just beginning to bloom? Dark horse: Does Helman go back again? He's capable of multiple positions, is having his beat season, and he's the only RH OF available right now not named Buxton or Garlick. A boost to get him ready for 2023?

My thoughts, FWIW: 1] There is a tightrope to walk in regard to veterans and sticking with them. For arguement sake only, let's say the Twins had Nathan, or equivalent, and he slumps. You stick with a guy like that and let him work it out. Not going to debate how long the Twins stuck with Colome in 2021. We know the results. But he was proven and coming off one of his best seasons ever. You give that guy a little time. Now, did they give him too much time? Well, we saw the results, although truth be told, he was pretty good from June on, too little way too late. Moving on from Duffey and Lewis was good. Should have already moved on from Pagan. You just can't stubbornly hold on to someone that long with such poor results! 2] Monitoring your SP IP is fine. Building them up is fine. But at some point you have to examine diminishing returns. Is a 6th IP, maybe an out or two more, worth the "risk" of facing a lineup a 3rd time actually worse than brining in a RP at that point? Well, it might be if you can trust all 8 guys most days. If you have a strong back end but nothing for middle relief, then you are inviting trouble no matter which way you turn. I do believe we have a couple of arms that can be trusted for a 6th IP at least some days. What I just can't understand is how we, as amateur GM's, have recognized all season the Twins needed at least one quality middle/long-ish guy. We had it briefly with Winder until injuries hit. (And let's be honest, they hit pretty hard at times). Rocco finally spoke up a few weeks ago regarding this need. Right now, for the most part, the Twins seem to have a solid back 5. But is Sands ready to be one of those bridge guys? Megill looks like a diamond in the rough. But can he go 2? And do we really trust Pagan to do anything other than just the occasional 1 IP without damage?? It's the middle 3 spots now and next year that really concern me. 3] If you are a mid market team with financial considerations that the big market teams don't have, the one place where you can cheat a little is the pen. But that doesn't mean you ignore it! This is where a couple really good arms are needed but you can use talented young arms like Duran and Jax and others to fill a void. You can build a good looking backend like the Twins seem to have NOW, post deadline additions and what's on hand. But again, you can't just ignore those middle inning transitional guys. The Twins have addressed the pen during their offseasons. They just haven't addressed it very well, too often banking on fliers to fill roles in the backend. Once in a while you need to sign an actual good arm, or two, and look at fliers who can find success as the bridge guys. Right now, looking forward to 2023, I can see a pen that might not need a lot of help. Assuming Fulmer is back, I can see our final 5 looking the same and being damn good. Megill offers some potential. Moran does the same. There are a couple guys like Sisk and others who might provide depth. But they simply can't approach 2023, or any season again, without making sure the middle innings have a certain level of competency and ability regardless of your backend.

I've never predicted #1 status for him. But then again, I've never really predicted that for anyone. It takes time to refine your stuff, your approach, and gain experience at the ML level. But i do love a lot of things about him and his approach. Last year, when he debuted, and early in the season this year, there was a lot of talk about his slider, and how good it worked with his FB. It does appear said slider has either lost bite, or command, or both. And maybe the missed time weakened him, or threw off his mechanics, or both. But he does need to figure it out again. I'm willing to bet he does. Talented, smart kid with a bulldog mentality. Have to remember, he's still a rookie. He's still learning. How could he could be is TBD. But there's room to learn and grow. And I'm OK with that. I think he's going to be a very good part of the rotation for years to come, even if he "only" settles in as a very good #3 type.

I indeed did. A rushed post and a poor mistake on my part. Thank you for the correction! There, fixed!

Never really studied his delivery time, so can't comment on that. And I don't think releasing him is just about Detroit or KC nabbing him, though it's an interesting point for sure. It just seems like they are so mystified by his "good numbers" and moments that they just can't seem to see the big picture. They just seem to believe they can "fix" his issues, despite what history shows, and have something and are afraid someone else will get the suddenly "reliable" Pagan. Dont get me wrong, I'm always glad when the Twins win and someone has a good day. But those "good days" with Pagan simply don't outweigh the bad days and the damage done. Nor does it address the needs of the pen. (Sigh).

Every team has injuries, no doubt. Could it be argued the Twins have taken too many chances on a couple guys traded for? Hmmm....maybe. But Maeda was even better than hoped for and will probably be good again. A year from now, we might all be talking about extending Paddack beyond 2024. But CRIPES, I can't believe any team in all of MLB has had more TOP prospects have early injury woes. I mean, we could go all the way back to Kubel and Mauer, but just the past few seasons we're talking Kirilloff, TWICE, and Larnach, and Lewis, TWICE as well, and now Canterino and maybe...hopefully not...Winder. Wow! I'm sure I'm probably missing someone. It's almost like every top 10 prospect in the system is 40/60 to have some major injury/setback. And we're not talking guys that were drafted with an injury history. And let's not even get in to concussions! Off topic I know, but man have the Twins been snakebit!

I like this move. He's an under the radar arm who's had some success and has experience. He helps St Paul and might do a fill-in job with the Twins if the injury bug isn't done with us. I also liked the Peacock addition for the same reason. Almosr every year you try to have 1 or 2 guys at the end of the 40 man who might help, but you can risk losing to clear a roster spot. You also want a couple guys like Minaya and Coulombe who can get invites as milb FA who could surprise and fit in at some point. Truth is, I'm not sure the Twins haven't done better on the milb invites than they have on the fringe 40 man guys. Getting a couple of these guys now just might give a leg up on brining them back for 2023. Hoping Sanchez might be one of those guys. Looks like a completely different pitcher since he came to the Twins.

You NEVER apologize for winning a game, much less a series. This Miranda kid looks like he might be pretty good. Gordon keeps doing things to make me like him more and more. Did the time away from the Twins re-energize Celestino? I know it's early, but I'm kinda wondering if the Twins didn't unearth a real find in Megill. Just a tremendous job by the bullpen all series, no matter who they were playing. I know he didn't pitch today, but watching Sands Tuesday night I kept thinking: "Yes! Keep doing that! You've got a real future if you can just keep throwing like that!" I don't want to sound like a jerk, but, are we glad Pagan had a good day?