DocBauer

Andrew Morris: 6' 195lbs, 20yrs old. Jumped from Div Ii to TX Tech for 1022. 4 pitch mix mix with low 80's slider as his best offering. Some unorthodox mechanics could lead to struggles throwing consistent strikes. No overpowering FB. (Pulled from CBS sports) Started out at Mesa State. 18-2 WL with a short 2020 season factored across the board. 175.2 IP and 160 H. Averaged 10.87 K per 9 in his career, and better each year. WHIP acceptable 1st and 3rd season but high in the short 2020 season. Agreed maybe a RP type, due to lack of length if nothing else. But mechanics the biggest issue it appears. Smooth that out, fastball probably plays up off the slider. Staying in the rotation would depend on additional offerings, it appears.

I don't have a problem with the pick by itself. He's still developing, and while it's possible his new found power can't be sustained to this level, he's clearly got some and the ability to keep at least a portion of it. (Been happening a lot in the system). And looks like a decent hit tool. Really can't have enough guys "up the middle" guys in your system. And a couple of the SS the Twins have drafted the past 3 years have over to different spots. Still, if the object was a flier to save money, I agree, why not just grab an arm you ar least kinda like in this spot? The answer appears, IMO, to be that the Twins like him to stick at SS and see a good developmental path for him. Therefore, he's worth more as a lower slot signing than any flier arm at the same spot. I hope they are right.

His HS and 2021 college numbers are just sick. He's got the frame and projection to sit 94-97 consistently working on his craft full time and in the Twins system. Maybe the top slider in the draft and already solid change with good control pre-surgery. He stays healthy...and he's going to need a little time to ramp up and get 100% "feel" back...could be a fast mover.

The draft coming late hurts the time to get kids signed and ready for any quality time. But IIRC, the milb season goes in to at least mid September now. So if they can agree on a deal quickly, he works out for a week or so, then gets 2-3 weeks at Ft Myers and a couple 2-3 weeks at Cedar Rapids to close things out. IF they can get him signed quickly. Otherwise, he gets only a couple weeks, probably at Ft Myers, and then it's wait and see for the start of 2023.

Did the Twins just nab the biggest pitching steal in the draft?

I like Lee a lot. I was resigned to a couple guys I thought had a chance to be very good choices but was really hoping for one of Parada or Collier to slide through. There's no guarantee Parada sticks at catcher, but I was more than willing to find out. Collier is perhaps the best player out of the entire 1st round, but super young and has a ways to go. NEVER thought Lee would be there. He might be the best pure college "hitter" in the draft. He's got power and will probably develop more. And he can dobit from both sides of the plate. He's got the hands, arm, and instincts to play SS. Do all of those things allow him to stay at SS? Or does a lack of pure speed and lateral quickness push him elsewhere? Depends on which scouting report you read. Just a thought, but with the latest injury to Lewis, I just wonder if it means the Twins like him at SS and like him as a college player as a possible option at SS vs taking the younger Collier?

Just a couple days ago, wouldn't have thought Lee was there. Couple months ago, no way he's there. Like I said, happy with any of the 3. Great player any way you went. Question: Second knee injury to Lewis, did that influence the pick of Lewis in any way???

I'm honestly happy with any of the 3 for different reasons

WOW! Who do you pick from now??!!

I'm going to say Collier if he makes it past the Cubs.

Rocker. WOW! First HUGE wild card!

When the Twins drafted Helman I thought they might have a steal on their hands. He's a really good athlete who played in a major program and offered some real upside. And then 2019 happened and I wasn't sure what to expect from him any longer, especially with no 2020. He was solid last year, with a power breakout, even though the BA was rather low. Really looks like he used his AFL time last year to really bloom. If it turns out he can play at least a serviceable SS that would be some "awesome sauce" to add to his resume and potential. He can 2B/3B and all 3 OF spots. Rumor has it he's pretty good in CF. He can hit, make some contact, get OB, and he's got decent power and can sure run. Is he "there" yet? Probably not. But it's Helman, Steer, and Julien that could make Gordon and Urshela expendable, and perhaps pretty soon. A trio of multi-position capable players who hit, have pop/power, speed in a couple cases, and create some tremendous depth and roster flexibility.

Let's face it, unless someone surprises in the 1st 7 picks, the Twins are likely to have to have their choice of ALL the available arms, save MAYBE one. The one kid I question is from Oklahoma, sorry, but I'm forgetting his name at the moment. I'm sure he's looking for big $, but I don't blame him for that, and do any of us even know what he's asking/thinking for? He's a born and raised Oklahoma kid playing for his hometown, favorite team. If he wants to keep being a Sooner and have a blast and bet on himself as a potential top 5 pick in 2023, I can understand his thinking. So maybe he's in, and maybe he's out. Despite talent and a tremendous close to his 2022 year, he's still a SSS. But so are half of the top pitching prospects! The Twins jumped on Petty last year as a HS arm, but he was picked in the 20's. Are the Twins just convinced Porter and Lesko are that much better, talent and projection, that they would pull the trigger at #8??? Maybe. Just not sure they would do that. But could they pass on Prielipp? He's college with a FB and slider with command and a potential change. He checks the boxes if healthy and if he's looked good in his workouts. The fact he's already had TJ isn't really a negative. He's the arm I'm watching for the Twins, and other teams ahead of them.

Not my preference, as stated, but a really nice play if the Twins pull it off! There ARE some good arms at both levels this year, but with tons of questions. Going to be interesting to see if teams roll with position players, in a sort of collective mindset, and let arms slide down.

Shoot, I just posted in the 1-26 list everything I would want to say here, LOL. Wish I had waited 5 minutes for a screen re-fresh, LOL. But without just doing a copy and paste, I think there's a good chance SOMEONE plays the under/over slot angle and one of the top 7 slides. EVERYONE is an unknown prospect, to be sure, but there's a couple, despite potential, that have enough questions about "hit" ability and lack of defensive ability that I'm not overly interested in, and not sure the Twins will be either. Have stated before, and again now, our FO is not adverse to taking chances on players, but are generally risk adverse. Still, with so many arms that are high potential but coming off injuries and/or have SSS, is this the year where they just roll the dice and take a shot on an arm that normally just wouldn't have been available at #8? I wouldn't be shocked at all. The risk/reward factor may be too great not to take that shot. I don't want Berry. We have enough young talent at the ML level and throught the system I just don't want to see a DH/1B only addition. Berry or risky arm with huge upside? I'm going with the arm all day long. If the right top 7 player falls to us, race the selection card up front. Otherwise, in regard to position players, I like Jett Williams, but favor Neto or Cross. Again, Neto seemingly checks all 5 boxes as good to very good. And he's a legit SS, from reports. He's both good and safe. Might even save a couple $. And I'd be super OK with Cross as a better hitting Kepler or faster Larnach. Kepler isn't going anywhere soon, barring trade, and might re-up. Larnach should be a staple when healthy again. AK can/will play some OF but become the primary 1B. Wallner just might be real, and can play some corner OF with a big arm. But stuff happens and trades happen. Plenty of room to add Cross. IF a position player is indeed #1, I'm crossing my fingers Dalton Rushing, the LH hitting catcher from Louisville will be snapped up by the Twins in round 2. Perfect compliment to Jeffers in a couple of years. After that, pitching and pitching and more pitching 3-10 unless a position player drops in your lap that you really like.

I won't be upset, or overly surprised, I the FO pulls an "upset" in regards to previous strategies and grabs an arm at 8. You've got 3 or 4 arms that would be in the top 10, if not top 5, were they healthy. Is this the year, college or HS, where they just decide to roll the dice on a risky move that could pay big dividends a few years from now? But I'm not betting they will do so. They are willing to take chances, but are opposed to risk, especially for their #1 pick. It's very possible one or two of the top 7 fall because someone else takes that shot at an arm, or is going to try and play the under/over slot game. But despite real bat potential, there are a couple of the top 7 I'm not too crazy about because it just feels like their "hit" ability remain too questionable or they are questionable as to defensive value. If the right guy doesn't drop in their laps...think Collier for example...I think I'm in on Neto or Cross. Neto just seems to check all the boxes as at least "good", should stick at SS, and is "safe" as well as talented. Cross becomes, potentially, a better hitting version of Kepler or a faster Larnach. There's room for him in a couple of years. Kepler isn't going anywhere for a couple years, to be sure. And we have Larnach and maybe Wallner, for years to come. But Max won't be here forever, and someone might get moved at some point. AK will still be able to play OF, but will probably settle in at 1B. Again, there's plenty of room for Cross. Second round, I'd just love to see Dalton Rushing, the catcher from Louisville, get snapped up. He's got a good and powerful LH bat, solid defense, and could be the perfect compliment for Jeffers. After that, I'd like to see a run on pitchers with maybe a HS arm or two mixed in that they feel good about signing. Not saying DON'T select another position player in the top 10 if you really like someone, but they've added a number of good looking position players the past few drafts and rounds 3-10 all pitchers would make me very happy. Neto or Cross at #1 barring a drop surprise, Rushing at #2, and then pitching, pitching, pitching.

A fun exercise to be sure. Forget what Berrios signed for, would he have done similar with us, maybe a year or two less, should they have offered a large and long deal a year earlier, etc, I didn't like losing him and really, really wanted to keep him. And I'd bet he gets himself figured out. I know it's a "what if" exercise, but I think Lynn was in a poor mood with how his offseason went and just didn't fit. But Ryan could take his spot. I'd be happy with Ryan over Lynn.

I was intrigued about Chalmers and thought he might turn in to a really nice bullpen option. Was there anyone who didn't hold out great hopes for Romero? I mean, he was the real thing, right? (sigh) Jay was a big one for me. I wasn't sure about the conversion to being a starter, but I thought at worst he was going to be a top, back of the bullpen arm. Just a huge disappointment. Rich Becker is one of the biggest disappointments, "I was so wrong", player prospects for me. And if I want to date myself, and drag my memories across hot asphalt covered in broken glass, there are about 10 pitching prospects around the mid-80's that were all seemingly can't miss starters or at worst, quality bullpen pieces.

I actually kinda like this idea. The 2023 payroll should be able to handle Snell without much difficulty. Take on the salary, give up nothing, might get a steal back. There is no losing on this one. Just make sure to add a couple of RP as well. Can't get wrapped up in a potential steal and forget what needs done the most.

THIS! I just can't believe we are having the 3rd or 4th thread about catching. In regard to the OP and the passed balls and SB % of Jeffers from 2021 to 2022. Both worse. Is it injury? Is it adjusting to new pitchers? Is he just having a tougher year for whatever reason? If his 2023 numbers for caught stealing and passed balls are better Is he owed an apology? The single, #1 job of a catcher is "handling" the pitching staff and calling a good game from about 30 arms you are going to have to work with. 25-30yrs ago or so, catcher was a defensive only position. Think Boone, Sundberg and a plethora of high quality catchers. Then there was a sort of Renaissance at the position with Rodriguez, Carter, Santiago, Mauer, Posey, etc. And Mauer might have been one of the last, along with Perez from KC, who might be nearing the end. Jeffers is a quality receiver who has the trust of the staff. He's only 25yo in the middle of his 2nd full season. But he stinks and is not part of the future because he's not as good as 2021 in some metrics? Maybe it's his fault. Maybe it's the staff. Maybe he's in a rough patch and will get better, and closer to his 2021 numbers. Maybe if his bat was working better everyone would just dismiss his lower caught % and PB numbers? FWIW, he's been hitting at about a .300 clip his last 15 games with power. I just find it ridiculous we're trying to tear down a 25yo catcher in yet another OP who is still growing and learning but who is a solid overall receiver and has a ton of potential who had just barely eclipsed 2 full years of roster time. Just sucks he's not already Mauer or Posada right? I am far more worried about his 2023 partner than I am Jeffers and his ability and potential. And I'm even MORE worried about the 2022 and even 2023 pen than I am about a young catcher who is solid and has potential. Hating on a young backstop who is solid and has a ton of potential, and who has flashed, is just old vs other needs in the pen is simply not worth debating yet again. You want to talk 2023 at some point? I'm with you.

Reminds me somewhat of Turner when he slipped a few years ago after a so-so season with the bat. What a steal! I can only assume Lee is being rumored to slip due to dis-belief in his sticking at SS.

Lots of great days in the system, but... 1] Povich. WOW! 2] Javier, wouldn't it be something after the injuries and the setbacks if his last 2 months are for real and he's actually turning a corner? I think he needs to finish 2022 a level up to see if the trend is real.

With all due respect and great love for ALL of our TD writers, Tom Ciaccio is impressive! Again, with all due love and respect, any chance we can convert him to Twins fandom and bring him on board? Work on him John! Show him the way! LOL But seriously, these two games are at home. The offense has being doing their part. Winder has been doing his part, as a long man and as a SP almost perfectly since the year began. Really, for this year and beyond, hasn't he earned a full time spot at this point? The only logical "no" answer would be a solid, more experienced veteran holding place, the rotation fully healthy, and letting him continue to prepare for 2023 and doing what he's been doing. (Ober is going to have a say as well when he's 100%, but that's a different discussion for a different day) Even with Ryan being a "rookie" and not having a good last couple of games, his numbers are still very good, as the OP stated. He's just due for a good game at home. I think the Twins are due for a sweep with our offense and the staff just doest implode. (Looking at you bullpen). And then comes the Dirty Sox, but I'll wait to comment after the Brew Crew leave town.

No hyperbole, he's a generational "hitter". Period. That includes his contact and OB ability. While he will never be a power hitter...and who cares...it's not surprising that only 25yo and gaining experience, he would be having his highest SLG% at this time. He's just learning now, with his eye and some quality offseason work to add muscle and cut fat...thank you Nellie for helping with that...to turn on pitches he likes to drive the ball further for doubles and a few more HR. Despite a few bad errors at 3B and 2B here and there, my personal eye test, and a few analytics I've read here and there, take them for what they're worth, says that is defense at 3B and 2B are solid/average. I can live with that. Especially considering youth and bounced around quite a bit, and even being asked to play some LF early, and even a few appearances at SS. His play at 1B has been really fine, IMO,especially learning it on the fly. Let's face it, kid is just a "ballplayer" and if Rocco turned to him tomorrow and said we have nobody to catch the rest of the game and asked him to throw on the mask and pads, he'd probably say "no problem". 1B and DH are his best spots. I'd argue he's already solid at 1B and maybe above average, especially with so little time there. And we don't have to debate 3B/2B because really, we're talking about his transcendent offense at the moment. I don't know how many caught it, but there was a day game on MLB last week featuring the Twins. I believe it was against the Dirty Sox. They put up a graphic of PLAYER "A" and PLAYER"B" through 319 ML games. IIRC, stolen bases was not included, but everything from AVG to OB to SLG and RBI and R and OPS was included. Player "A" was ahead in almost every category except HR, but all the numbers were very close. Player "A" was Arraez and player "B" was Carew. Again, through 319 games and it wasn't intended as an Areaez vs Carew career comparison, that would just be silly. But it was posted as an example of just how good and unique Arraez is at this point in his young career. I have stated many, many times how the DH spot in baseball can be handled in a myriad of different ways. There is no written or un-written rule that states the DH position should/must be handled by a power only hitter, or an aging veteran who can't play the field any longer but can hit. Or some combination of the two. That's a perception based solely on past usage and viewership of the spot. The Twins won their 1st WS with the DH being shared. They won their 2nd with a primary DH. There are no set rules. Arraez CAN play the field in 3 spots and aquit himself decently, if not well. (All debatable. I get that). But he can also be a time share/primary DH. With the way this team is set up in the lineup for the next few years, he's PERFECT just being the player he is. Now we can debate as to whether he should bat leadoff even against LHP, knowing the first guy out of the pen might be RH, or if he should be lower in the lineup against a LHSP waiting for the oppositions pen, or sit as a destructive PH Godzilla batter on some days. But he is a very, very special hitter at 25yo and is only going to get better. Anyone notice that his knees are better after his offseason workouts with Cruz where he cut bad weight and added some good muscle? He is an ABSOLUTE offfseason extension MUST!

Part 2, as I had to pause to fix a late supper, LOL. 1] Congratulations to Buxton and Arraez and their very deserving All Star selections! 2] Miranda is just getting better and better, confirming his top prospect status and proving he is turning out to be the kind of hitter the FO thought he might be, and proving 2021's breakout was not an illusion. More on him in a minute. 3] Very surprised Kirilloff wasn't mentioned in the OP, unless I missed him somehow. The kid has basically been raking since coming back. His 30 game, 15 game, and 7 day numbers are all trending very high. And more on him in a moment. 4] I'm OK with Max in the 4 hole against RHP. While his BABIP is still frustratingly and confusingly low, it's still better. His hitting is about normal, which would seem to indicate actual improvement with offensive numbers still generally down. (Though it does appear numbers have been climbing). He's actually having a pretty good year. 5] Despite lauding Kepler, and no disrespect to one of my favorite Twins, by next season at the latest, he's going to be sliding down more in to later portion of the lineup to make room for AK, Miranda, and maybe even below Larnach who I think will turn out to be the even better overall hitter. We've already seen what he can do last year and this year when healthy. I think he surpasses Kepler very soon. 6] Sure hope this trend continues...crossing fingers...but Jeffers has been hitting a rough compsite of .300 with power and decent OB his past 15 games.