DocBauer

Great work Nick, as always, and kudos to you and all the writers who have contriguted to this series. I still really like the system, despite some downgrades in opinion from various sources due to graduations and trades. While there are a number of recent graduates that have somewhat depleted the system, it doesn't bother me because that's what they are SUPPOSED to do. What stinks is some injuries that have slowed many of those graduates; Kirilloff, Larnach, Alcala probably most of all. But their potential impact can't be denied when you look at ability. On the PLUS side, I still see some potential high end, difference makers in the system such as Lewis, Lee, Rodriguez, Raya, Prielipp, and I'd include Julian as well. Then there's a handful of Martin and Balazovic that could be on that list with a rebound in 2023. Yes, I'm including Balazovic because the talent remains despite his latest setback. On the NEGATIVE side, I see a discrepancy in the system from the top 10 to the bottom of the top 20 and carrying over in to the 20-30 range. Still some potentially very good players with futures, but overcoming injuries, and just being very young. And the trades have something to do with that, of course. But I like the depth in the system overall. I can easily see guys like Canterino and Enlow, and a few others having really good careers still, and climbing these lists in the near future. And there's more than a handful I can see surprising everyone and carving out a career. Just for example, someone like Anthony Prato, who played just about everywhere for Wichita last season, and quietly put up a very good offensive season, could be a very good utility/role player in the near future. We definitely need help at catcher, which is why 5 of them have been selected in the last 2 drafts. Now, someone needs to step up from that group, and hopefully soon. At least there's numbers and potential there, albeit, little experience. Interesting to note that there are 6 international signings in the top 20, whether by the Twins or acquired. And there are a few kids outside the 20 that might make a move in 2023 to challenge. I believe I picked both Raya and Severino last season when we picked different pitchers and players at various levels to click. I may have picked Festa, but can't recall for sure, or my other choices at the moment. I'll stand by Severino as he was pretty good at 2 levels and seemed to finally get his game on. Raya was everything hoped for. For this year, on the mound, I think Prielipp is too easy of a choice. I'm looking at Nowlin to make a believer out of people, and for 2022 draft pick Cory Lewis to make a Festa like move and get people's attention. Just a hunch. I also have my eye on Zebby Matthew's, from the same draft last year. Again, just a hunch. On the player side, I will go with Miller starting to flash a little more power and BA to go along with his plate discipline. And I'm going out on a limb here to suggest that a pair of catchers selected in 2021 might surprise and muscle their way in to the top 20. Pat Winkel went from draft choice with a few low A games to being at A+ CR and held his own. The previously mentioned Cardenas didn't have great numbers, but was solid with an outstanding OB%, telling me has an idea how to hit. My darkhorse is Will Holland, 5th round pick from Auburn in the 2019 draft. He hasn't hit much yet, but has shown an OK OB%, is athletic, has great speed, and seems to have just about fully converted to CF. He was promoted to AA for about 1/3 of the season. If his bat starts to catch up with athleticism, he might surprise.

By all reports, Pagan is a good guy and a good teammate. By all reports, he's had basically one good season and that was 3 or 4 years ago. I understand the temptation he offers with velocity and SO ability. But striking out 4 in 2 IP but allowing a 2 or 3R HR doesn't make it all right. And new pitch or not, pitching in lower pressure situations should make any relievers numbers look better. I will root for him and hope for the best. But if there was actually interest in him, I would have grabbed what I could, saved his $3.5M, and applied a little more to that figure and signed a FA that I felt good about and had either a better history or a more solid base to expect positive progression from.

There is an argument to be made that your very best players should be at the top of the lineup to get as many opportunities as possible. But I take SOME exception to this idea, as so many stats talk about the top 3 spots, as I've read previously. Buxton is not some traditional leadoff hitter with speed and SB ability, along with pop/power, that we expected when drafted. He has become a very dangerous hitter with power and run production who can make a better difference not being a leadoff hitter. I'm not certain who the #1 hitter is going to be most days. I just know that Correa and Polanco are going to be part of the top of the order. But I don't believe Buxton should ever hit #1. But he should be hitting in the 3rd or 4th spot as a powerful run producer. Forget his SB potential. That's for special occasions when we really need it. Let him keep his legs underneath him to run out doubles and the occasional triple, speed still kills, but let him be the powerful and dangerous bat he can be in the 3 or 4 spot. He's much more valuable as the #1 CF and run producer he can be in those spots. Just MIGHT keep him more healthy as well.

Not disagreeing with this list. I think it's accurate. But it should ABSOLUTELY be 5 guys with Kirilloff added. GALLO: While I'm ambivalent about signing Gallo, I can see the reasoning. Is it possible he's just slipping, the league has figured him out, etc? Yes. But his production and power and OPS were well over .800 with Texas his previous 5yrs, despite one poor year. A look at his production shows a cliff once he was traded to the Yankees, and then the Dodgers to end 2022. The obvious discrepancies seem to indicate to me he was just never comfortable and never fit in. He now has a "reset" in Minnesota. I'm hesitant to offer expectations for his production in 2023, but I think it's very possible he reverts back to his Texas days and is suddenly back at his career numbers there where he still doesn't "hit", but has a very nice OB% and big time power and is a real threat in a 5-7 spot in the lineup. Here's hoping! ALCALA: He's got to prove he's healthy and BACK. IIRC, his late season performance in 2021 wasn't just experience, but also a result to him adjusting a 3rd offering. I believe it was a form of change, but can't recall exactly. He looked pretty good to begin 2022 before his elbow acted up. The proposed numbers offered up would be just fine as the 5th-6th option in the pen. But I think he's got way more potential than that. I would expect solid numbers initially, and then get stronger, more confident, and better as the season goes on and he dusts off some rust. JORGE LOPEZ: I doubt he's as good as he was with Baltimore in early 2022. Those were HOF kind of numbers! But his pure stuff should make him better than his time with the Twins. I find it humorous that so many key on his years as a failed SP at the ML level. He's not that guy any longer. He's now a talented arm with some great stuff who has ONE YEAR converting to the pen. The STUFF has never been in question. While a RH and not a LH, I keep thinking about Perkins. Some great stuff, expectations, but poor results as a SP. He became a stud All Star reliever, but it still took him a year or so to adapt and figure it out. Lopez made the transition, but also had to pack up his stuff and move to a new team/city half way through his season. With time now to settle in and reset himself with the Twins, his projections aren't terrible, but I'd expect a lot more. LARNACH/KIRILLOFF: Let's just be honest, these 2 have a HUGE potential impact on 2023 and the future. BOTH were top draft choices and TOP prospects. BOTH offer quality bats, decent OB, and power and run production potential. BOTH seem to offer good split production as well. It's really easy for someone to look at the production numbers from each and be pessimistic. BUT, when you watch and look/read what they did when HEALTHY over the last 2yrs, they BOTH basically raked, as hoped and expected. Where they diverge is the injury history. Larnach hurt his hand, and then had an abdominal issue. There is nothing chronic in regard to Larnach. If Larnach has spent the remainder of 2022 and his offseason just working on his core, he could be ready for a breakout as an OF/DH until he takes over a corner spot full time in the near future. Kirilloff is in a very different situation with a chronic issue that MAYBE/HOPEFULLY is fixed now. Early reports are he's ready to go with soreness, but not pain, as he just gets his wrist back to "normal" post surgery. And you'd have to expect that. I expect Larnach to be 100% and be a difference maker, though still inexperienced and not hitting his ceiling just yet. I expect Kirilloff to be nursed a little bit and take 75 swings daily instead of 100 just to get his wrist adjusted and ready. Just giving him time to build up and adjust. If his procedure has worked, he's a difference maker for 2023 and beyond, even if it takes him a little while to get in to a confident groove.

I always believe you wait as long as possible to move someone to the pen. I think that's an obvious perspective to have. A 3rd pitch suddenly develops, control suddenly gets better with mechanical adjustments, or a light suddenly comes on in regard to "pitching" and it proves you were right to wait. Besides, while there is definitely an adjustment mentally in moving to the pen, there is also a change in physical preparation as well. But realistically, any milb SP could be brought up at any time and asked to enter the beginning of an inning and just do the best you can for as long as you can. But getting stretched back out is a different situation. But sometimes it's just obvious someone is destined to be a reliever. And Jax falls in to that category and the results were excellent, with hope of being even better with experience. Sands had a really nice 2021 at AA before having a disappointing 2022 at AAA and with the Twins. Does that mean he CAN'T still "find himself" as a SP? Not at all. But if you watched him last year, you saw some bad AB's, some wildness, and then you saw him finish an inning strong, or have a great 2nd inning after a poor one. But what I believe I saw was an OK fastball and a potentially excellent breaking stuff. It's interesting to me that he appears to be the 1st guy mentioned as making the transition as that's what I also feel after watching him in 2022. His FB should play up in shorter stints and again, his breaking stuff looks potentially nasty. Henriquez didn't have a very good AAA season, but was better later in the year and looked pretty interesting in his late promotion to the Twins pen to finish. But I believe he's still only 22yo, has velocity and some potentially really nice secondary stuff. Still so young, and with potential, I agree with keeping him as a starter for now. Forgetting further development, does his physical stature indicate he's going to have stamina to maintain his stuff beyond 4-5+ IP? I think he's got everything available to be great for 1-2 innings as a bullpen piece, and I believe that's where he ends up. But more IP RIGHT NOW as a rotation piece allows more time to harness his stuff. So I can get waiting on him a little longer. I'm confused on Winder. Does he really have a shoulder issue? Like so many, if he had a normal offseason last year, and tutelage of coaches and trainers to more properly prepare, would his shoulder issue have been eliminated? He made the roster last year on merit. And he was pretty solid in his role to begin the season, though his K numbers were down, until his shoulder issues from 2021 returned again. Is this chronic? Or did he suffer from the odd and abbreviated offseason/ST affect him? He's been a pretty highly regarded SP prospect previously, so I don't know that I'd be anxious to convert him just yet either. All that being said, the one thing the pen has largely lacked the past few years is someone who can throw some solid middle innings. The Twins WANT their SP to throw at least 5, if not 6, innings every game. And there are no Happ, Shoemaker, Bundy, or Archer types to necessarily drain the pen in 2023. But there will be some days where someone just doesn't have it, and someone will be needed to fill some innings. Can Pagan really be considered as a viable 2-3 inning guy? That seems to be his role and let's just say I have serious doubts. So while the Twins state they don't have intentions to move anyone to the pen at this time, I can see a necessary role for someone to fill. Could that be one of the guys mentioned, OR, MAYBE, a surprise 40 man addition like a non roster invite? Absolutely agree St Paul looks loaded pitching wise. They are looking at Balazovic, Varland, SWR, Winder, Henriquez, Sands, and Dobnak as prospects and young arms before we even consider the various non roster signings, who are probably destined for the Saints pen, which is probably their best option to reach MLB again. Right now, there's not enough room in the rotation for all the arms in play to fill. And that's NOT a bad problem to have.

I would have done Moore, and his LH potential based on last year, for $6-7M per a month ago instead of Pagan and his $3.5M. A little more than double for someone with better upside, definitely would prefer Moore.

Not going to disagree with your basic setup there, but looks like you missed Julien. He's absolutely got to be in the mix at DH and a handful of other spots. I think Larnach becomes a full time OF, and Rodriguez is probably a couple years away just based on youth and depth. Hoping Martin becomes part of the equation as well. But Lee and Lewis seem to set a lot of things in to motion don't they?

Mike, it's not about wanting to move him to 2B. Until Correa, I wanted Lewis to work out at SS and stay there for 10yrs and make multiple All Star games. It's about placing the right guys in the right 8/9 spots to create the best lineup you can. I couldn't care less if Lewis played 3B and Lee played 2B. I believe Lewis has more pure quickness and speed than Lee, therefore I believe he's better at 2B...where he might become the best in all of MLB...and can cover more ground, whereas I believe 3B is a little more reaction and arm based. More range is always good, of course. Should Lewis move to the OF, I'm fine with that as well. But as of now, he's not replacing Buxton on a full time basis. If Martin really has a ML future, it's going to be in the OF and not 3B/2B. Neither Larnach or Wallner are going to be infielders. So while Lewis could make a great full time OF, who does he replace? And who replaces him in the infield,? Is the team better with Lewis in the OF instead of someone else and a lesser player at 2B instead. (Lesser being relative, of course). So it's not about Lewis playing 2B instead of Lee, or anyone else. It's just putting the pieces in to place to complete the best puzzle possible. And Lewis at 2B, with the potential to be one of the very best defensively and offensively, might just be the best fit.

As I stated previously, I would have placed Lewis at #1, simply due to being an even better athlete with potentially even more positional flexibility. But who cares? 1A and 1B and it doesn't matter. Plenty of time and options in regard to future lineup construction, but my hunch says Lee at 3B and Lewis at 2B. Just feels natural to me. AK at 1B, Miranda playing both corner spots and DH, Julien ends up covering 2 or 3 spots as well as DH, and remains in the lineup daily, much like Arraez was used. FWIW, though expensive for a utility player, I believe the Twins still have control over Farmer for 2024, and he might stick around as even greater depth. What an INF! But what about Polanco? He's a good 2B and a hell of an offensive player, and not exactly old. Do the Twins part ways despite him being so good? Or does Lewis move to the OF where he would almost certainly be outstanding as well? I keep seeing Martin and Larnach in the corners, Celestino as a 4th OF, (replacing Taylor), and Wallner still getting a shot as well, starter or otherwise. So what the Twins decide is Polanco's future might dictate how the lineup ultimately sets up. What I don't question is Lee as the primary 3B or 2B. I used to believe Kirilloff would be the Twins #3 hitter once established, (and healthy). But I now believe AK will slide further down the lineup and Lee will be that #3 hitter. A switch hitter with his bat to ball skill, OB%, and power just seems perfect for that role. He begins this season at AA. He's probably up to St Paul mid year if he continues on his current path. Let him earn his promotion, like anyone else. No need to force the issue, he will be just fine. There's a very good chance he's going to be ready for 2024, whether day one or slightly later.

100! But just to add to this, the Lewis quote of: "I'm more excited to make those plays at the wall, but it's a little more dangerous" is clearly speaking to contact with the padding on a hard rundown of the ball. NOWHERE is there any sort of reference to being injured, or any cause of his injury, which again, came from an awkward leap and planting of his leg, and was not caused by any contact with the wall itself.

I know everyone is sick and tired of talking about injuries or any excuses involved in such, but I simply have to believe the lockout had an enormous affect across the league last year. Nobody was allowed ANY contact whatsoever with coaches or trainers linked to their clubs. I mean, my goodness, there was a story about Buxton's family coming down with covid and he couldn't even speak with anyone from the Twins about meds, test kits, or anything else. When do we have to be ready? When does ST start? How long of a ST will we have? Am I following a good plan of action since I can't ask anyone? I mean, these guys are professionals, but they are also usually under direct supervision of their clubs staff and trainers to follow a regiment. Gray not only didn't have that, but he was distracted by being a player rep. He wasn't ready when 2023 began. Ober changed his delivery and routine in 2021 to remain healthy and it was accomplished. Then comes the lockout and all the restrictions and he ends up with a serious lower abdominal issue. Fluke? Stuff like this just happens? Or the result of losing his routine and ramp up and assistance that he had for a fully healthy 2021? Regarding Mahle specifically, he's been very open that he states his shoulder issue/tired arm happened due to all of the above, and then trying to pitch "normal" in regard to pitches and innings. He seemed normal with the Reds, then spent some time on the IL, then looked good when he came back. He looked good his first couple of games with the Twins before OOF! From everything I've heard and read, there was never any pain. Exams and multiple MRI's showed nothing other than standard/expected inflammation you would see in a ML arm. So until something else happens, I'm in the camp that his explanation is the correct one and he's fine and going to be fine. Interesting comments, though, about his slider as I wasn't under the impression he had any issues with it. Finding more comfort with it can only be a good thing! He's out of Cincinnati now, and his career numbers out of there are much better, overall, than they were when pitching at home. He also just turned 28yo in September. There are exceptions, of course, but I believe history shows that a front of the rotation SP hits his stride of stuff and experience coalescing into their best production from ages 27-33. He's just in that sweet spot now. I'm on record as saying that if he is indeed 100% and ready to go, out of Cincinnati, throwing half his games in Target Field, he will probably be the Twins #1 starter in 2023. And if so, I'm really hoping the Twins are going to be signing him to a 4-5yr extension. The $ should be available.

All valid points. And I don't disagree that Hand wouldn't be a given to make the team. And again, maybe the Twins aren't really interested, or only interested in a milb deal with an opt out. And I have no problem with that either. In fact, I might even prefer it. I like the option game. But I don't know that its necessarily always an absolute for me. And for argument sake, we'll just continue to use Hand. We could just as easily be talking about a 1B, OF, UTIL, etc. So Hand signs for $2M with some incentives that could push him to $3M based on appearances. IP, etc. His addition doesn't cost anyone a job, or place on the 40 man, he simply fills a temporary 40 man spot due to someone going on the 60 man. If he performs well, you have an inexpensive, wily veteran LH to help in the middle innings, giving you a luxury of 3 LH arms in the pen for matchups. And if he doesn't look good...or starts OK and then disappears...much like Joe Smith in our 2022 pen...your "option" is to just cut bait, open up another 40 man spot for someone else, and promote someone like Megill, already on the 40 man, back up to the parent club. The only thing lost is the $2M given to Hand in this theoretical signing. I also don't believe you just fill the empty 40 man spots simply to fill them. But, still using the Hand scenario as we're already in that neighborhood, the Twins will have Coulombe at St Paul. They might look at Hand and his peripherals and whatnot and feel he's worth a looksee. So they bring him in, and keep him or cut him as they see fit, and when they see fit. And then Coulombe is still sitting there ready to be added to the 40 man if you want to bring him up. Again, all hypothetical. But why not take a flier or two, or make an addition or two, with those empty 40 man spots if there is someone out there you think might actually help you? Of course, there might not be anyone you actually like out there well enough to bring in over and above anyone you already have available. And I'm fine with that. Personally, I would have spent $6-7M on someone that I liked better than Pagan and his $3.5M instead of even considering Hand, but that's just me. But the Twins have 2 or 3 open 40 man spots now, depending on what they decide to do with Canterino. And they can easily promote Helman, Garlick, Coulombe, or whoever. And they can wait to do so until they see other teams' cuts and see if there is someone they'd like to take a flier on. And, of course, this discussion is about more than just Hand. But to me, one "option" we never talk about is the option to just cut someone if you take a shot and it doesn't work.

I hate the entire arbitration process and would love to see it re-shaped, or replaced entirely. IDK, maybe automatic raises with escalators built in based on a series of agreed on rankings of players for certain categories? For example, a 2nd year OF gets $X automatically depending on games played or PA but another bump because he finishes in the top 25% of OPS for ML OF that season. Just spit-balling. I'm very pleased the Twins have had very few cases actually go to arbitration hearings. I recall Berrios a few years ago, and reports were he wanted to go through the process as much for the future of other players as himself. And off the top of my head, I can't recall any hard feelings after the fact. And who wouldn't be interested in Burnes? But at what cost and what odds to re-sign him? The Twins simply can't afford a ransom of players/prospects to only have him for 2yrs. They've have to be pretty certain they would get a re-sign done.

That's a very interesting question. But should a move like this happen...reminding ST is here and the hot stove league is well over... it's not happening because either party is going in just expecting to be waived. The veteran is looking for a shot to prove himself and make a club. And if he doesn't, then like any other athlete, he's auditioning for anyone else watching. For the ballclub, it's the possibility of adding another good player, probably on the cheap, for undoubtedly a 1yr deal only, in hopes of gaining a "steal" of a potential asset. In other words, a solid veteran who might have one more good year in the sun inside of him and it's low cost and low risk to take the shot. So I don't think either party looks at a late deal like this as any sort of slight or insult if it doesn't work out.

Wow! Embarrassed that someone who follows the milb system as close as I do can't remember even hearing of the kid before! Agree his 2022 numbers look great. And the fact that he's athletic enough to be that versatile is intriguing and would tell me he's got the ability to develop in to a quality defensive backstop. (Not just a lumbering brick wall). I also agree that his age per level opens up questions about his actual potential going forward, exploding in his 2nd FCL season. But then again, if he didn't play at all in 2020 at 19yo, can we dismiss his 2021 numbers as a rusty 20yo and accept his 2023 production as a 21yo to be perfectly fine labeling him as a legitimate prospect?

So the thing is, it's only money. Nobody needs to be removed from the 40 man to sign him. He won't cost a ton and might have a repeat of 2022, giving the pen a solid 3rd LH option. He can be cut if he stinks. And even without options, there is always the IL "tired arm" symptom if he needs a re-set and a rehab before you eventually cut him. There is nothing to lose here except someone like Megill beginning the year at AAA instead of with the Twins. But as Dman mentions, maybe they want to add a RH bat instead? Maybe they just feel Coulombe is already as good of an option and might as well just add him. I mean, he's been pretty good the past few years for the Twins.

Always a huge fan and supporter of Max since the day he signed. I was really hoping he was finally hitting his ceiling in 2019. (heavy sigh). I'm just afraid he's never going to be the offensive player hoped for. But he's also not as bad as he was last year. I would love to see him healthy, clear mind, re-discover his power, and have a really nice rebound season. I just don't know what to hope for or expect after the past two years.

I love Lee a ton as a prospect, think he's the real deal, and believe he's got a great future in MLB...and soon...at either 2B or 3B. But Lewis is just so talented and has already flashed in 2022 at just how good he might be. He's still my #1 prospect. But honestly, doesn't it even matter which one is ranked #1? Lewis is young, hard working and diligent. He made a great recovery the 1st time. This 2nd injury was not a complete tear, only partial. Also, it's being reinforced with the new "brace" technology that's been developed. I fully believe he just needs a little time and it's a "when" he's 100% and ready to go, and not an "if". While Polanco is one of my favorite Twins and great ballplayer, and I am in NO hurry to move him, Lewis and Lee could both be some combination of the 3B/2B of the near future, while each being able to cover SS as well when Correa needs a day off. Further, nothing says Lewis can't be a tremendous OF, of play a combination of both. He's that talented, athletic, and potentially versatile. His skills play anywhere you want to put him. The future is looking pretty right on the dirt and the grass for the Twins.

"Pitchers and catchers report!" One of the very best phrases to ever be uttered. Right up there with: "Quittin' time" ...and... "Free beer"

On paper and potential, I like this pen a lot. Agreed there are some IF's, but to begin a season, I'm not sure anyone just KNOWS they've got a tremendous, world-beating pen in place. Duran is special. Only injury or some "yips" will derail him. His arm is that special. I don't know that Lopez is as good as his 1st half with Baltimore was. Those numbers were a half season of HOF caliber. But he's just not as mediocre as he was with the Twins. The STUFF is there! I find it humorous that so many are down on him after the trade...SSS as a RP...when considering how many great closers and BP arms the Twins have had after their conversion. But they were developed, not traded for mid season. How about we allow a "settling down" period for him. What a 1-2 punch is possible with him and Duran! Thelbar is going to run out of gas at some point. But I don't think it's going to happen in 2023. From what I've read...don't ask me for a link...even when he's struggled a bit, his underlying numbers said he wasn't bad. Moran is a Wild Card. He's been pretty much outstanding in his milb career, but stunk at St Paul in 2022. But he was pretty much outstanding with the Twins. He may fight BB a bit, but K's and soft contact mitigate that. I think he's got a bright future if he can learn to handle LH a bit better. Alcala is also a WC. Is he now 100%? I have to believe so based on the FO attitude towards the pen. He was really good to finish 2021, looked good initially in 2022 ST, and IIRC, he had dusted off or tweaked a 3rd offering late in 2021 to alow his strong finish. He could be HUGE in 2023 and going forward....potentially. Jax was pretty damn good as a virtual rookie making the conversion to the pen. His inherited runners numbers don't look so good. And he needs to improve on that. But inherited runners is one of those things that can come from experience, but also a random or luck factor. Again, like a lot of this pen, we're talking about good arms with good production still learning and adapting to their role. I Iiked what I saw of Megill in ST and his first few appearances in 2022. His stuff is nasty at times. He might be a late bloomer as a quality mid guy, but I would have been OK letting him off the 40 man for a better option. Still am. I would have dumped Pagan mid season last year. But right or wrong, smart or stubborn, the FO still sees value in him with numbers and his "new pitch" as a middle man, based on his end to 2022. I would have spent his $3.5M plus more on someone else. I sure hope the FO is right on this one. I LOVE the potential depth here though. The FO might still see Winder as a rotation arm, but they kept him as a long/middle man to begin 2022. Might they do so again? I think Sands has some nice stuff, but I could see him being a much better RP than starter. I don't know that I'd give up the very young Henriquez as a SP just yet, but his mix just screams out as an excellent BP piece. There's actually a lot to like here, and be optimistic about, even in regard to Pagan...which makes me shudder. I wouldn't be shocked if someone like Megill is sent to AAA once ST is done for Coulombe to be added as a 3rd LH BP arm. Nor would I be shocked for someone like Winder to be added for a role. I love the potential, and the depth. But I would have spent some $ for one more add to the pen that might pay off.

Hand has never been my 1st choice, but I've liked him as a relatively inexpensive option to add. The more I've looked at his final 2022 numbers, the more I liked Chafin or Moore as alternatives. Hand might have been performing magic tricks based on experience in 2022, but he sure didn't stink. He was still solid in his spits and kept hard contact down and kept the ball in the yard. We are at the point in the offseason now where 40 man rosters are full, and very few players or pitchers are going to get anything more than a milb deal and an invite with potential $. I'd rather call up Moore, offer him decent $ on a 1yr, and add him in a week when the 40 man can be adjusted to fit him in. I'd rather give him a shot to augment the pen instead of Hand based on better STUFF and the hope he can continue what he did in 2022. But I won't be upset at adding Hand on a deal that is either milb in nature, or isn't put in to place until ST begins. I mean, you only have a week to have a physical and sign a deal and move someone to the 60 day. Maybe he has one more good, solid, veteran season in that arm to help out Thielbar and the young Moran. Nothing wrong with taking a flier on him under those circumstances. Still, I think I'd rather spend a little more $ on Moore, no pun intended, on the same kind of deal with a potentially higher upside.

OK, I'll bite after reading everyone's opinion. I absolutely agree Gordon still has to prove he can adapt to swing issues and his BABIP numbers. I've been a supporter of his previously, and his 2021 and 2022 numbers indicate patience, opportunity, and continued development seemed to turn him in to a nice utility option. It was his nature to do the same thing in milb, start slow, and then adapt and produce better. He's done the same thing in his 1st 2 ML seasons. SUSTAINABILITY is a question we don't know until 2023 actually gets underway. Not sure that can be doubted by anyone. And despite Gordon being drafted as a top SS prospect, for whatever reason(s), he's clearly better as an OF with the ability to cover SS/2B here and there without embarrassing himself. And frankly, unless his bat/offense grows/maintains, I'm not sure how long he remains a Twin simply due to the number of options in the INF and OF available and arriving to a ballpark near you soon. That's up to Gordon. But I have to admit I see the logic in Ted's OP. Despite having virtually ZERO experience at the milb or ML level at 3B, Gordon does have a vast number of games played in the INF. Theoretically, he has the speed, quickness, and athleticism at 3B to just "get in front of the damn ball" and then make a throw with an arm that is still debatable, IMO. And just fielding the ball is #1. He is NO ANSWER to 3B in any manner. And I don't think Ted is saying that. I believe what's been said here is: if he continues to show he can hit RHP, and can cover 3B OK, shouldn't he be considered as an option if Miranda needs a day off or has a IL stint where he and Farmer can cover the spot for a week or so? I'd argue that Julien, on the 40 man, would be brought up if there was an actual IL stint. But I'd also argue that it would be smart to actually play Gordon at 3B in ST to just SEE if he could handle it. I have no doubt Farmer is the better defender. And I'm not of the belief Gordon has any future at the spot. But I'm also of the belief you try to maximize your roster to the greatest extent that you can. So yeah, I'd toss Gordon out at 3B in ST to just see if he can play it to any acceptable level. And if he can, and if he actually continues to hit and make a few things happen offensively, then I have another way to adjust my roster on a daily basis. A lot of IF's with Gordon to be sure, including this idea. But why not see if you can find a way to maximize your 13 man player roster in a new way? Isn't part of ST just seeing what you have?

I'm a bachelor and happy, but a bit of "bah, humbug" Valentine Day person. But this made me smile and LOL. Thanks for the hard work and the laughs. And to other contributions that did the same.

I didn't really like the 2020 draft all that much, though I saw/see some upside with the 3 position players. (Rosario might be the best). But I just loved the Raya pick the minute I read about him. I can't recall all of the details, but he seemed like a confident, athletic, kid who had performed well in HS and at all his various tournaments and camps. The stuff and potential stuff seemed to be there, despite a medium stature. I was really surprised he lasted until the 4th round as I read about him. I can only assume his size was what kept him from being selected higher. I was very disappointed when he didn't pitch in 2021, except on the side and in the development camp following the season. I think his early results are pretty amazing really. Skips rookie ball and goes straight to A where he puts up some really great numbers. And I'm not worried about the number of IP per start. Absolutely nothing wrong with nursing him a bit in his debut as a 19yo at A ball not letting it fly in game conditions for about a year and a half. As for Law, or anyone else, lamenting lack of a quality change for a yet to be 20yo, I can only say PLEASE. A change...whatever version is thrown...is a "feel" pitch that takes time to master, or at least be decent at. But with good velocity...potentially more as he fills out...and 3 breaking pitches that all look at least potentially solid if not good, I'm not worried about the quality of his change at this point. If his 3 breaking balls are as potentially good as various reports seem to state, I don't think that I would eliminate any of them just yet. Let's see how they look at least a year from now. Obviously, keep working on a form of a change. But the most important thing for him, as well as Prielipp, is getting a good 100 IP in 2023. I'd start him at Ft Myers and then move to CR a month or so in for a new challenge. I like Festa and Jaylen Nowlin a lot and can't wait to see what they do this season. There's 4-5 guys drafted last year I find very intriguing, who have barely seen a pro mound that I'm anxious to watch that all have a "something" about them when drafted. But isn't it fun to think about Raya and Prielipp both in the top 5 this time next year? NOTE: Unrelated, but since it was mentioned, I do agree with Law in cutting Balazovic slack due to his injury, recovery, the lockout, etc. I also offer a Mulligan for him in 2022.

A healthy Mahle, out of Cincinnati, has a good chance to be our best starter this season. And if that happens, I'd expect a quality extension offer.