DocBauer

I've caught a few of the ST games so I've seen everyone here, I believe, except for Gonzalez and Faria. Even though it's obviously SSS, Minaya has looked solid and Smeltzer has looked quite good to me. I've been sort of impressed by Megill. He seems to crank it up to 97-98 easily and his breaking ball seems to have good carry before breaking/hopping late. But I dont know that any of them gets added at this time as they seem blocked right now by guys on the 40 like Moran, Cotton, and Romero, etc, who have looked pretty good when I've seen them. Position player wise, not sure anyone has really shown anything to warrant a spot at this time. I think Beckham is a depth piece with no room and haven't seen Garlick do much in the games I've seen. Been a little surprised by how much Fisher has played. Do they like him or is it just because he's got ML experience? I've been surprised that he seems to have played a lot more than Kerrigan or Contreras, who are slightly younger and coming off solid years. On topic but slightly off point, I've been disappointed by Rooker. This is the PERFECT time/opportunity for him to grab a job as a RH corner OF to spell Kepler and Kirilloff, and maybe let AK play a little more 1B. And maybe he's showing them something that we're not seeing in drills, workouts, minor games, etc. I had really hoped the Twins would spend a couple $M on an actual, competent corner RH OF for 2022. I think there is a real need there. But it didn't happen, and NOBODY has stepped forward to grab that 4th OF spot yet, and my gut just tells me Larach will begin the year in St Paul, though I admit I could end up being wrong about that. I can't shake this feeling that the Twins might claim a waiver wire OF on cut down day to be that 4th OF to begin the year, buying a little time, if nothing else. St Paul should have a hell of a team this year, and some of these non-roster players could be major contributors. My goodness, the OF alone could be 7 deep if Larnach DOES start his season there. Catching could be an issue, however. And it's very possible a couple of these non-roster names make their way up to the Twins to help at some point. But right now, I say nobody breaks camp. And barring major injuries at the ML level, I think the pen is where you will see the most "help" for the Twins. **BTW, I think we could include Thorpe here as well, as I believe he went unclaimed? The 2 out HR he allowed the other day doesn't look good. And the couple of times I've seen him pitch, his FB has been around 87-89mph. But his breaking stuff looked pretty good to me. But right now, I think he's behind both Moran AND Smeltzer.

Does anyone else get perplexed or wonder about what's going on when you realize that the A's are running a garage sale, and the Red's suddenly "declare" their pitchers are off limits, and what in the hell happened to a building Marlins team who is suddenly silent? I am NOT excusing the Twins FO from making a SP move to make a difference for 2022, if not beyond. But if nobody else is either, it shows there is a sudden FREEZE in the market right now. The bad news is they blew a chance to add a decent pitcher before the lockout. The good news is: 1] They MIGHT end up with a surprise rotation piece. And it happens every single year. 2] There is actually a good chance that even brining in "fodder" still allows time for the prospects to get their stuff together and make a difference for at least a half season. 3] There's actually a chance this bullpen is damn good...even though I'd rather see Duran in the rotation, at least eventually...and can help the ST get acclimated. 4] Again, not crazy about Bundy or Archer. I think we BLEW a chance for a solid SP for 2022. But we COULD end up with a potential steal. That would be great! Greater still would be just some IP by a couple veteran arms and some young arms early in various roles to ramp up and gain experience early. Truth is, it would be a shame to waste the lineup we have and the potential of the pen we might have. But there ARE some young arms that could make a difference in 2022. And this IS the year we should start to see "tomorrow". ALSO, I have to add, the system is still strong enough and deep enough, that unless we go crazy, we can still bring someone on board via trade a month from now, or at the deadline. And $ is also in our favor. I still think we BLEW an opportunity before the lockout to make a difference. But considering the freeze in the market right now, and the expanded roster for the moment, and the number of quality arms to play/project/protect, does all of this maybe play in our favor a couple months from now?

Not happy with this. Every single year, SOMEONE finds themselves again. We're betting on 2 guys right now. Hopefully ONE of Bundy or Archer finds themselves again and actually performs. I'm willing to lay money Bundy will be more successful than a rebounding Archer. And honestly, I thinkI Ober and Ryan are better than Archer at this point. But why not take a cheap shot at this point? Despite rumors of the A's and others having pitchers available, NOBODY has made a move yet. So the market might might just be dry at this point. The Twins have the depth and money to invest if things change. But right now, we might be looking at what we have. Is that a bad thing? Is it OK to bet on Winder and a 8-10 man pen for now? Opportunity exists for high quality arms to prove themselves. And we have the depth to make a difference not only in 2022 but beyond. Are we there yet? At some point we have to give Opportunity or trade away. I don't hate the Archer flier. I'm just hoping this is a cheap flier that reaps benefits like the , Bundy, flier that just gives the Twins a little more time to let let Winder, Balazovic, and others time to make their mark at the ML level.

Are you saying he isn't playing enough OF? That's how I read your post. Forgive me if I'm wrong. The Twins have stated they believe he has the ability to play at least a decent OF right now. Obviously, the more he plays it the better he gets. But if he's as talented athletically as he is, reported, wouldn't you want to see him in the infield as long as you could to see if he could at least cover the infield like Marwin or Marte or Kiki Hernandez? His future is BRIGHT. BUT, most forget he's only been a pro for 1 season. How about we just let him play ball for at least half a season. This kid could be awesome a year from now, if not mid season. But let it play.

I remain surprised about the DH role in some opinions. The DH removes the pitcher and the "floundering" of someone specialized to anything but being a hitter, to add a bat to the lineup. So who decided the DH should be a power bat? And that has always perplexed me in regard to building a lineup. If you have a SPECIAL bat like Cruz or Ortiz, for example, who can't play a position, or who you don't really want to, then you plug them in to DH and find guys to hit before them. And if your team is good enough, versatile enough, deep enough, you can plug anyone in to the lineup for a half day off to fill that position. As the Twins are "seemingly" constructed right now, barring injury or just a bad season...forgetting injury factor because how can you predict that...LF/CF/RF/SS/2B/1B ALL project to 20+ HR production. Urshela, if he's back, projects to double digit HR totals. Jeffers, still growing and developing but with a solid/good offensive potential and Sznchez powering what he can, 3B and catcher should provide at least double digit HR totals, if not more. (3B could change depending not only on Urshela but also Miranda). By himself, in a disappointing 1st full year, Jeffers still hit 14 dangers, IIRC. Regulated to splitting time at catcher...which I hope for 1yr, Sanchez should add enough to see 20+ HR at catcher, the bottom of the order. What in the hell is wrong with having one of the best "hitters" and OB players on your roster being the primary DH and setting the table? I get arguements that Arraez's hitting and OB and contact skills could be valuable lower in the lineup. But he's probably amongst the best BA, and OB hitters on the roster. He makes the pitcher work. Power potential is everywhere on this roster. How about letting your DH, who also plays in the field here and there, be a table setter to be driven in?

I like the basis of your post but am going to disagree slightly. Larnach will never have the speed/range of Kepler. And I honestly haven't seen enough of Larnach to know how good he is or could be defensively. I know he has the arm for RF, which is why he usually played RF when he and AK were both in the lineup. From what I have read, Larnach is a decent athlete, though by no means as good as Kepler, but not a statue. Martin is a great athlete, and the Twins have stated they feel he's already more than capable of playing the OF right now, despite their intention to focus him on the infield for now. And I think that's the smart play. Why wouldn't you develop him as much as you can in the infield for now for future possibilities? But I fully believe he's going to be our LF, and a good one. He'll cover CF for Buxton, but could/should have the ability to also cover a couple infield spots. He could/should be an excellent LF...not some bat stashed there...and a combination of Martin, Buxton, and Larnach should be an excellent OF production wise, but can also be, excellent, excellent, good/solid defensively. And that's ASSUMING Kepler being gone, which might not be the case at all! Then, let's toss in Celestino in to the mix as a high quality defensive player across the entire outfield who can bring a little bit of everything offensively, suddenly we have offense and defense across the board with a combination of 4-5 players. Again, as always, SOMEONE, might be moved. But looking to the future as things sit right now, this OF could be COMPLETE in all ways as early as mid season. I don't think the FO is dismissing defense at all. I just think, much like the pitching prospects, we're just a little behind the expected/hoped for development due to covid and a shortened ST this year.

*always with the obvious caveat of a potential trade that could still happen.* I think Larnach is going to be fine. He was pushed pretty quickly last year, (along with Celestino and Rortvedt), and then got dinged. The fact that Larnach didn't finish strong for St Paul tells me he was hurt worse than believed. I do see him taking over for Kepler eventually; younger, cheaper, better bat with as much power, strong arm, not as much speed/range. And I do believe Kirilloff does eventually move to 1B on a permanent basis, but he's needed in LF for now. Just my opinion, but limited time to set the roster and get everyone ready, I think Larnach and Miranda are both going to begin the year in St Paul, even with the expanded roster. Those extra spots go to pitching. I suspect neither Larnach nor Miranda will be with the Saints past June 1st. Since he was mentioned and ties in here, I think Martin will end up in LF eventually, while backing up CF and being able to cover across the infield. A super utility with a primary position of LF. But I suspect he's more of a 2nd half of the season call up. He's still inexperienced and needs to tap in to his power. He won't be down long though. I think Celestino will be up for good in the near future as well. And he's going to do it all as a great 4th OF. Biggest problem right now is we need a 4th OF who has a RH bat to begin the season at least. That's maybe Rooker or a non roster player. Not great choices there.

Maybe I'll too old school or stubborn, but I'd sure like to have Arraez hit .300+ with and OB% ahead of some guys that can drive him in. Further, I like the idea of him generally taking 6-8 pitches so the guys behind him can see what the pitcher has got that day. So my preferred choice for #1 is Arraez as a DH/2B/3B. You can put Polanco, Correa, and Buxton in any order and not be wrong. I mean, I can see an arguement for Buxton as a very dangerous and productive cleanup man. Some don't like the speedy Buxton behind the slower Arraez. While I don't see Buxton being wild on the bases in an attempt to prevent injury, I can see his legging out a few plays he might not be able to with Arraez on base ahead of him. OK, Arraez also makes a great #2 hitter followed by Correa and Polanco in whatever order. But that's my top 4. AK can hit, hit for power, and indont believe he's going to be intimidated by youth or overly negative against LHP, I've got him #5. #6 Sano: too dangerous to not be here. #7 Kepler: Still good against RHP and power. #8 Urshela: Nice, solid hitter with pop/power. But not as dangerous as those above him? #9 Jeffers/Sanchez: Lots of bat potential for Jeffers, but no pressure down here as he takes over the #1 job. And I'm sorry, but I'm not putting Sanchez and his bat higher than this until I see some turn around. He's dangerous here, but here is where he should be until he hits again.

I think there's about 5 things going on here that have at least "paused" any further actions from the Twins. 1] Oakland has a HUGE "for sale" sign still out. And they've already reaped some benefits. I think they are being a big greedy right now. If rumors are to be believed, there's 6 or 7 teams interested in making a deal. But nothing has happened yet. Why? Again, I believe they are pricing themselves too high right now. (Sort of like a garage sale of good stuff that is stickered too high despite being nice). And they have the right to do that. Always top down sell, right? And I suspect their prices will come down based on my next point... 2] Post lockout flurry, and now an abbreviated ST, the Twins and everyone else are focused on getting ready and SEEING WHAT THEY HAVE. Players and pitchers need to get ready. Some guys are being monitored closely coming back from injury to see if they're going to be ready. Many prospects, even top prospects...#Miranda for the Twins...may not get the time to show they are ready, or where they fit. Others are being fast tracked to see if they are ready to fit opening day. In other words, the neighbors are looking at what they have vs the prices at the garage sale before they decide to bid/buy. Bad news for Oakland right now, as well as maybe Cincinnati and Miami and others. 3] The Twins FO is patient. Sometimes I think they are too patient and need to be a little less risk adverse. I believe they should follow their MO, but in the future, they should identify and strike early for that ONE move they really like/want and then sit back. In retrospect, pre-lockout this year is a prime example. But that's a different topic for a different day. They havent always hit, even when being applauded for their patient moves. Witness Happ, Lynn, etc, vs Cruz, Correa and a group of RP and others that DID turn out. (You NEVER hit 1000.00 in baseball terms). So right now, they, like everyone else, is seeing what they have and sorta following the Twins example of patience. 4] Like it or not, the Twins WANT to make a trade move. And they ARE willing to deal some prospects with the hope that the next draft, and international FA and prospects acquired from previous moves will pan out in the future and add to what they lose. BUT, they believe the Bundy they signed for is a combination of his Baltimore days...where everyone just thought he could be better on a better club...and his 2020 Angels season. Some combination of Bundy would make him, at least, a solid mid rotation piece. 5] The FO is also stuck in the place where they want to improve the rotation, without giving up too much, but also needing to promote and audition the talent on hand. And a strong case could be made for Winder to be the #5 starter right now. Especially with an expanded roster where Duran and others could get their feet wet and contribute. But then again, despite your belief in Bundy, Ober and Ryan, you KNOW you need starts and IP. And you don't trade for Gray and sign Correa on a wing and prayer. History and logic tell us that there is opportunity to win, and still promote the prospects to pitch and get ready for 2023 and beyond while competing in 2022. I believe the Twins WILL make a serious pitching move. I believe it will happen late in ST. And it could be anything from the A's to the Reds to the Marlins or Houston for Odorizzi. What they want is something that doesn't HURT by giving up too much. Witness the Maeda and Odorizzi trades of the past. I just don't see a RP on the market that makes sense at this time, but who knows. The OF market has died other than Gardner, who can't hit any more but gets OB, has speed still, and some power along with OK defense, and Conforto who provides a decent LH bat with power. So I just don't see a match in the FA market for OF or RP. This team is mostly set and just deciding if it's the right time to make a major move for the rotation NOW, or run with what you have and make a move early or at the deadline. My best guess? A week from now we are talking about a trade for someone in the rotation and what we gave up, which will hurt but seem fair.

Wouldn't it just be Twins/Minnesota luck that a HS pitcher picked at 27 would defy the odds and turn out to be a stud? But I still applaud the trade. It just makes sense. And the MLB draft is ABSOLUTELY about taking the best player available above all professional sports because you aren't loking for immediate help, you're looking at future potential. And sometimes you hit, and sometimes you don't, and sometimes you reach. Witness Cavaco and HOPE you get it right, even if it takes a few years for fruition. The Twins have a handful of catchers they have drafted, signed, traded for, and converted over the last couple seasons. And there a couple of guys from AA down that have at least flashed some potential. And there is the potential for a couple surprises from that group: But man, despite drafting a couple catchers last year, best thing they could do now is NOT ignore BPA, but make sure they look HARD at the draft board and bring in a couple interesting/quality catcher options for the good of the system.

OK, so you're down in ST? Tell us more about what you are seeing.

All of this could change due to a potential trade over the next couple of days/weeks, but based on the current options/roster: IDEAL: Larnach proves he's actually ready for LF, while having the arm for RF as well. Buxton in CF. Kepler in RF. No matter how disappointing his 2021 season was, Kepler is an outstanding RF with power, decent speed, etc. He's never been what we hoped, glimpsed in 2019, but he's also not what we saw in 2021. Just, for goodness sake, quit the love affair with him batting leadoff all the time. This also allows Kirilloff to cover OF but stake his claim to 1B. Sano now backs up 1B and is the primary DH. Unless he miraculously finds his former self from 3yrs ago, I DON'T buy Sanchez for a minute as a primary DH. That's lip service to a veteran and the public. Rooker proves through workouts, batting practice, A and B games that he's figuring it out and looking solid with approach and contact, and he earns the "4th" OF spot to spell both corners, DH and PH here and there. This allows Celestino to begin the season in St Paul and continue his development and not be rushed. Kepler and Gordon spell Buxton in CF when he gets a day off. (This is Gordon hitting and playing AT LEAST as well as last year, but his history shows he adapts and does better 2nd time around. Actually, same for Rooker). PRACTICAL: Kirilloff is the starting LF, and he's OK there. His time at 1B will be limited for now, but it's his eventual position probably. Naturally, Buck in CF and Kepler in RF. 4th OF? With Kepler and probably/possibly Gordon on the roster, CF is covered for days off. The 4th OF doesn't have to be able to play CF. What's needed is a RH bat, ideally. That brings us back to Rooker getting a shot and proving himself. Can we afford to derail Celestino's development by playing occasionally? There is a chance, with the expanded roster, and how things shake out for said final roster, the Twins could open up a roster spot for a non-roster OF, Garlick and Kerrigan being remote possibilities. Contreas and Fisher are also possibilities, but each are LH, working negatively against them at this time. But if they really don't feel the right vibe with Rooker, I wouldn't be surprised at a late FA signing or waiver wire claim. Again, they have to make a 40 man move. But I don't like pressing Celestino in to that role unless he's going to play often. As much as many of us may not want to hear it, being on the 40 man, and still having potential, IMO, Rooker is the best initial choice as the 4th OF IF he steps forward, or at the very least, looks like he's about ready to. And we're talking initial roster, not the whole season. Someone mentioned Gardner on the cheap. Not sure that happens. But it's an interesting idea. Again, it means he, or someone else brought on board, another 40 man move needs to happen. And that could happen not only via trade, but someone just being removed as they just aren't as "necessary" as somone else. Despite not being an obvious need for 2022, I always felt a 4th, veteran, RH bat was a quiet "need" for this team that hasn't been addressed. So there you have it. Ideal and practical. Either way you look at it, Rooker is kind of a precipice. The opportunity is there to do what he's always done, get acclimated and improve. He fits in either scenario if he does that. Otherwise, he's traded, or sent to AAA to tantalize someone else or SUDDENLY get his stuff together and MAYBE get another call up opportunity. SIDE NOTES: 1] Gordon has a lot to prove still. His first couple of ST games have provided a mixed result. But it's still ST. He was surprisingly OK in CF last year, learning the position on the fly. He didn't exactly embarrass himself in his ML debut, despite being put in awkward situations as a rookie. Lest we forget losing 2020 and his bad covid illness. He has a history of improving year to year, though that is, of course, different than the ML level. And it's very obvious he will never achieve anything to warrant his draft selection. But his versatility and speed does provide something. His adaptation to playing CF totally surprised me. So I wouldn't give up on him just yet, generally, hitting better and raising his OPS to some acceptable degree as a quality utility player. There is still another level he might reach as a very quality super utility player. Not saying there aren't better options coming up to supplant him, but I could see value for him in 2022 and beyond.

I don't want to get too wrapped up in a really solid rookie year, or early results from ST this year, but I have some pretty high hopes for Ober. What impresses me most about him is not his length and how it "adds" velocity to his stuff or hides the ball, it's his overall control, his obvious work ethic, and his intelligence. He re-worked his delivery to not only add velocity, but most importantly, to find a comfortable, repeatable delivery to keep his body sound. He had some injury issues earlier in his career and commented once how he just "hurt" after games. That looks to be a completely past issue at this point. Very impressed that he worked on developing his new slider during the season. And instead of having difficulty doing so, or wearing down near the end of the year, he actually improved and seemed to grow stronger. Despite his new slider, I have to wonder, might it not be smart to occasionally use the "old" variation here and there, take a little off, and get that greater horizontal movement as a "show me" offering? Or does that over complicate his normal release and arsenal? While he might settle in as a very good #4 starter, I'm not so sure he doesn't grow in to a legitimate #3 with a little more time and refinement.

Between now and draft day, there are going to be a lot of changes I'm sure. But I am really holding out for a top, easily projectable college catcher just sitting there when it's the Twins turn.

I'm 100% with Brock that the ghost runner is fine, but not the 10th inning. It should be the 11th at the earliest. Baseball at the ML level should maintain it's form. But every once in a while, we get those 13-15 inning games that just drag on. I'd go with the ghost runner in the 12th inning. I'm also 100% on board for the 28 man roster to begin the season. My only complaint is I think the 28 man roster was a good thing in 2020. With the way the game has changed, I've been advocating a 27 or 28 man roster. And now that restrictions have been placed on the number of times a player can be sent down and brought back up in a year, we're going to probably see things like phantom injuries in order to manipulate that new rule. Why not just also move to a 27-28 man roster? Just a curiosity question to everyone, the elimination of 7 inning double headers....good thing or bad thing?

I keep wondering if we're in a "good news" "bad news" situation in regard to adding to the staff. The BAD NEWS: We didn't sign Pineda, and can't now, and we haven't signed Cueto yet. The GOOD NEWS: We didn't sign Pineda, and can't now, and we haven't signed Cueto yet. Levi is correct, as we all have been, that GS and IP need to be covered, and you need 8-10 SP and not 5 to make it through a season. While hindsight is a very intelligent entity, it also offers nothing of value. The Twins, IMO, could have stayed away from the top rotation FA and still signed at least one of a handful of solid arms that were quality but mid-priced. Of course, at the time, they didn't know they were going to clear Donaldson's contract and get Correa. Now, I think they WANTED to move Donaldson, but I think their intent all along was to move a handful of young talent to acquire a quality arm that would come at a cheaper $ cost. And if you look at most all of the options available "out there" on various teams, that does seem very possible. While I'm not 100%, as previously stated, that such a trade will happen now vs later, it sure seems that if they really wanted Pineda or Cueto they would have already done so. And look, they still might target Cueto now that Dobnak has been removed as an option. They need at least one veteran arm for IP, leadership, at least on the short term while the kids ramp up and get ready for their opportunity. And that opportunity IS going to come. With a little luck, Bundy will be rebound and at least be some combination of his 2020 self and his generally solid Oriole days. But we clearly need someone like Cueto at this point to fill a role, OR, make a hopefully smart trade for someone better. There are a number of arms they could go get, hopefully without breaking up too much of the top 10-20 prospect list. For some reason, I keep thinking Houston might move Odorizzi on the cheap. There are better arms, for sure, but I wouldn't be upset if that was the move. As to projections, especially for rookies, I tend to dismiss those in general. Speculation is great, and some do it better than others, but I think hitters are far easier to project than pitchers, for a variety of reasons. I doubt anyone projected the development and performance of Ober and Ryan last year. The vast number of young arms the Twins have nearly ready...even if 1 or 2 is moved...offers up "depth" to rotate in and audition throughout 2022. Next man up, so to speak. And make no mistake, there is need to get these kids up and show what they can do. Opportunity WILL present itself. The question remains how good the arm to yet be added is going to be. Good news, bad news, at the moment.

I agree with you here 100%! Arguing and debating forever and a day about getting out of the Donaldson deal and signing Correa and financials for the future vs 1yr, and all of it is nonsense at this point. We are where we are. And where we are is a good place with a team who could make some real noise! To me, it's very obvious the FO is willing to bring on more payroll now, or some point. While I believe I believe they have worked very hard to establish a deep farm system, they KNOW they are going to have to give up SOMETHING to take the next step. Up and down the line, when you look at what they've done, you are not only surprised, but have to be pleased where we are at. And maybe the Bundy that was just waiting to escape Baltimore, had a good 2020, will find himself as at least a combo of the OK pitcher he was for the Orioles and the great SP he was in 2020. But I'd be willing to bet if you could speak to the Twins FO now...unfair because at the time they and NOBODY could know how things were going to transpire after the lockout the way they have...they would have undoubtedly signed at least one of the quality SP available at the time to augment the Gray trade. The problem is, everything was weird/crazy for the 3rd year in a row. And you can't rewind time. I wish we could. I'm sure the FO would make a quality signing knowing what they know now. What happens next is going to be interesting.

Already stated my opinion pretty clearly on Cueto, since Pineda is now gone, as the "short term, veteran, experienced, solid, place holder to give you a chance daily until someone better comes along" option. And I stand by that. The Twins, best I can figure, are now somewhere in the $120M-ish payroll range. And even if they sign Cueto, they bump up to $130M-ish. Clearly you don't re-sign Buxton, trade for Gray, sign Correa, and be involved in various rumors because you're DONE and aren't going to try to compete. Now, whether they make a trade in the coming days, OR, make a mid-season move once you prove you are in contention remains to be seen. But I can clearly see how the payroll quickly jumps in to the $140's very easily. It's still a question of who and when. The Twins are DEEP in talent throughout the system, but top-heavy with a few TOP prospects, and not as flush there as some teams. (Partially through prospect graduation). A healthy Duran and Canterino could allow for a mid-season re-listing of top 100 prospects in a hurry! But I digress. The prospect capital is there to make another serious move, with or without a Cueto signing, without decimating the system. But how eager is the FO to move 2 of our top 5, or 3 of our top 10 to bring in another arm has to be considered. There is "going for it", and then there is holding out for a while and seeing what happens once the season starts and actually see what you have. But a few thoughts after all of that: 1] Is Oakland overplaying their hand right now? And if they are re-building, do they really need/want ready/nearly ready players? They received a couple ready/nearly ready players so far in their moves. Would they NOW want some longer term assets? Or a combination of such? And I'm only spit-balling when I say things like Arraez, Wallner, Varland and Sands/Winder/Balazovic. 2] Are we really convinced Cincinnati is done and not actually re-bulding? Petty has HUGE upside and equally HUGE risk being a HS kid. But they did that, mostly, straight up for Gray. Again, our system has some very nice options with big upside to a re-building team who wants as many upside prospects as they can get. 3] Ditto, maybe, for the Orioles and Means? 4] Maybe I'm wrong, but the Marlins have some quality SP to trade off, but it also seems to feel as if they aren't "going for it" right now. Again, I may be wrong, but that's sort of my impression. 5] Maybe the Astos don't want to pay Odorizzi $8M to be their #6 starter. Last I knew, that was the probability. How about Oddo back again on what should be a fairly cheap acquisition, with or without Cueto. He has a history of pitching well with the Twins, and finished 2021 strong. Would you be OK with him back to help head the rotation without blowing up 2-4 of the Twins top 20 list for now? My whole point is, there are more teams than the A's rebuilding. ANY trade for a quality SP is probably going to hurt, at least a little. But if a team is looking for TALENT, and not just someone ready or almost ML ready, there are options such as Severino, Urbina, Rodriguez, Wallner, Varland, Gipson-Long, maybe even recent top draft choices like Sabato or Cavaco that all rank amongst the Twins top 30 prospects. If Petty was on the table to the Reds, then anyone else else drafted the past 2yrs is also available. So we might be surprised as to what team is looking for young talent a couple years from now to deepen their system and opportunity. If we've learned one thing from this FO, never be surprised by being surprised.

Just looked up the 40 man and believe it's current. Maeda and Dobber to the 60 day IL. One more signing with Enlow's spot available still. Anything more than that, someone has to be dropped. O If there is a trade, also have to make room. But I think it's a fairly safe assumption that any trade would include at least 1, if not 2, players currently on the 40 man. Never know, but I doubt there's another Odorizzi like move available that only includes someone/various someone's not yet on the 40.

I am fully aware RP don't usually rank high on prospect lists. I understand he's now 27yo, maybe a late bloomer. I get he doesn't have then ideal frame. But he throws mid-90's with a milb WHIP of just over 1.00 and has averaged a K of 10 per 9 and has a couple options left and was just dumped? Wow. I'm not predicting anything for the guy, but his numbers and options make him seem like someone you'd like to hold on to. Must be something we can't see from the numbers that makes him questionable

I've always been OK with him or Pineda as an experienced, "short term" veteran to just be solid, give the team a chance, and be replaceable for one of the prospects. I would have preferred Pineda, but not going to complain here. I do think a trade is still very possible, but I'm no longer 100% on it. I'm probably 75-80%. And I think everyone is correct about asking prices. If you believe all the rumors put there, half the league is being linked to Oakland and other potentially available arms. Wouldn't surprise me a bit if the prices are ridiculous right now. Also wouldn't surprise me if the FO just moves on from Oakland and suddenly makes a deal with someone else. Sure wouldn't be the first time they surprised us.

A very well written article and some quality perspectives! Not a big fan or believer in Sanchez. However. Once upon a time he was a top prospect, an All Star and a Silver Slugger. Just 3yrs ago? Seems longer. And I honestly thought he was older than he is. A change of scenery, a fresh start, different voices being heard/interpreted differently CAN sometimes make a difference. I hope in this case he has at least a decent rebound. As I've stated elsewhere, non-horrid defense, a .230 AVG with power and continuing to keep his OB above .300 could at least provide a solid bench option.

Nope, not worried about DH, and NOT because of Sanchez in any way. A full time DH is only a ONE MAN spot, usually, when you have an Ortiz or Cruz who is a special hitter. When you have a deep and versatile roster, as we potentially do, you need to find room for everyone. And who says your DH spot can only be manned by a power hitter? Until another OF is added, or a prospect grabs the LF spot and makes it his, AK is going to initially play there a bunch, but he will also cover 1B until he can make the move there more permanently. Sano is going to play 1B and DH when not at 1B. Arraez needs to be in the lineup almost daily at the top of the order. He will play 2B, 3B and DH. Whoever he replaces in the field can take the day off, or a half day and DH. Sooner or later, if not immediately, Larnach and Miranda are going to be ready for daily action, in the field or even in the DH mix. They also mean more time at 1B for AK, more time at DH for Sano, etc, as things expand and trickle down. As far as Sanchez at DH on a regular basis? I doubt it for all the options listed above, plus the fact you generally hate to play both your catchers, plus he doesn't hit well enough to be in the lineup daily despite his power. Sanchez, despite defensive limitations, provides experience, power, and an OB above .300, if only barely. Hopefully he will raise that OB to around .320 and raise his AVG up beyond the Mendoza line and around the .225-.230 range. That's enough to make him valuable as the backup catcher, starting around 1/3 of the games. But there are far better options at DH than Sanchez unless he suddenly resembles his previous Silver Slugger self, which seems unlikely at this point. There is no need or good arguement for Sanchez to see primary AB at DH. If he's there a lot, we have some serious issues, or, a serious reward. But I'm not worried at all about DH. I can easily see 10-11 guys that can/should be playing daily.

I think it's an interesting flier based on past performance. I don't like it for the 40 man. But I suspect his 40 man status changes in the next couple of days, pending another trade. I really, really wanted the Twins to grab Carlos Martinez as a high upside arm coming off a bad year. The Giants pounced. Good for them. I think we blew a chance there. I don't feel the pen needs some $8M plus arm. But I felt there were enough good arms out there they could have made a solid a solid addition better than this to insure a quality back end. And I'd be willing to bet they still will. At least, hoping they will. He screams middle relief to me. Which is good. But I think we really need a viable, potential, 8-9 IP option. But I'm not certain what is left at this point. Uncertain where the payroll is at, and certain a trade for a SP is coming. But have to wonder about Smith passing through waivers to be kept as a flier considering future moves. I'd really like to believe there is someone better on the horizon plus MAYBE a surprise cheap 4th OF to provide some depth and balance.

Even with 1yr Correa does so much to enhance the 2022 team's chances, with an additional SP yet to be determined. But the one thing I think is missed here is how he affects 2023 even if he is gone. His presence in 2022, offensively and defensively, allows less pressure on Lewis and Martin to be rushed, whatever their future outcome. It allows for a potential surprise in Palacios to prove he's actually the "potential" SS the Ray's traded for a couple years ago, after his 2021 season and strong winter league. He's in camp. Could he surprise? His top of the order presence allows guys like AK, Larnach and Miranda to feel less pressure for their 1st full ML season. Urshela might also assist here. At worst, he gives the Twins a tremulous lift for2022, but even his abscense in 2023 could still provide dividends for the future.