DocBauer

Forgive me, but too much to say! I was asleep when this happened, caught the news in the morning, and even working a short day I am PAGES late to commenting. Therefore, going to concentrate my thoughts here. The first is HUH? WOW!! I never saw this coming even though for a split second yesterday...after reading about other teams "in" on Story...I wondered about a switch to Correa, maybe on a short 1yr deal, but quickly dismissed it as fantasy. The second is, after reading about numerous teams being in on Story, and ZERO positive news for days, I was feeling pretty confused and pessimistic and had previously posted under the "positional catcher report" that I was feeling pretty bummed. I believe my words were "disappointed" and "apathetic" and felt like I was coming down from a high with baseball back and some of the early moves. Apparently I wasn't the only one from "likes" and other poster's comments.. WOW, what a difference a day makes! I have largely been supportive of our FO from day one for everything from drafts, to signings and trades, to the hiring of personnel, to the total revamp of the system and the way of doing things. I've defended them on many occasions, but I'd like to believe I've been fair to also criticize them when I've questioned their decisions/actions at times. Fellow Midwesterners like myself, born and raised, will understand I've always had a love/hate-hate relationship with the month of March. (11yrs in SD, 55yrs in Nebraska where the weather turns on a dime). Invariably, March teases an early Spring only to deceive days later. And EVERY SINGLE YEAR I remind myself to NOT fall for it's ploy. Such is the same for our FO. I know and understand how they work. And again, I have largely applauded their approach, with disagreements I have been clear to state when I felt was necessary. I was enthused after the first 2 trades, and dumbfounded and filled with anxiety after the Yankees deal. I apologize for being so negative previously, especially to myself for not just waiting. I should have known better. Even when the FO seems to be distressingly "over patient" they have almost always made "smart" moves...even if they don't turn out. (Witness Happ, Shoemaker, Colome). But to move on... I applaud getting out of the Donaldson deal. His signing was unexpected, but actually made sense at the time. It also showed this wasn't the older, more traditional Twins way of doing things. Previous FO's wouldn't have taken that shot, and probably wouldn't have made the Maeda and Cruz moves either. They sure as hell wouldn't have played the game of MLB chess that we're seeing right now! Thirdly, if the initial Donaldson signing, a couple of years pushing payroll, various reports from agents as to how professional and generally pro-active the Twins were in arbitration cases, hasn't changed the perception of how this FO operates, THIS signing moves the needle as to how this team operates. They may be frugal, (Not a bad thing considering revenues and market place), they may be calculated and hopefully smart, but they aren't "cheap". (Yes, I am aware of continuing debate on this topic). Fourth, I really wish the opt out was after the 2nd year. But that was never going to happen. But for 2022, at least...things could change...the Twins made a MAJOR move to fill a hole with the top available player at his position. It not only brings enthusiasm to the fans, but also the players. It also allows at least 1yr to re-set the time table for prospects like Lewis, Martin, and even the somewhat forgotten Palacios. I fully expect Lewis to be the SS of the future, barring Martin having a lightbulb turning on. But what if the new-found bat of Palcios is real and his winter league numbers are a sign he's actually going to hit at the ML level with his defense? Fifth consideration, even ONE YEAR of Correa not only makes the team and lineup better, but his presence as a top of the order hitter also brings less pressure for other young players. Not sure that's even been considered by some. Another trade for a SP seems a given, so names could change. But his presence could make the transition for Kiriloff, Larnach and Miranda that much easier for 2022. (Urshela can also help here in a smaller capacity). Final comment: I really, really wish the Twins had made ONE commitment, besides, besides the Bundy flier, to one of the many FA SP that were available before the lockout. The annual value might have be en more than a trade target financial cost, but it would have come without a prospect cost.But we're past that point now. Now it's about ONE MORE SP via trade to make a difference. I don't want to sacrifice the future just for 2022. But the originizational depth is there to make another move.

Just another filler arm for AAA. Period. Could he suddenly find better bite with his slider and maybe find new life? Maybe. Maybe he finds new life as a bullpen option. It happens. But like Rodriguez, I think he's just depth for AAA. But unless we trade a couple young arms in a move for a quality ML SP or other, it feels like there's already enough talent to fill up the St Paul rotation already. But, there could be a move, guys do get hurt, and depth to just have your AAA team competitive doesn't hurt I guess.

Just wanted to add, I've seen just enough of him in hilights and a few ST games that I don't believe range is any kind of issue. I don't believe arm strength is any kind of issue. I can fully appreciate your comments, and others I've read, that being more efficient with his throws is something to work on. I've also read where he just needs to work on general positioning and footwork needed to make the normal plays consistently. I would respond yes to all of this, but aren't these general fundamentals that pretty much every young SS has to work on and develop? I might be an optomist, but I believe the athletic package is there, the arm is there, the work ethic is obviously there as well, and all he really needs is time to play and refine himself. I'm not predicting GG defense...though that would be awesome...but I think he's got everything to become at LEAST a solid ML SS just given a little more time to refine. Would you agree?

I couldn't wait for the lockout to end and for baseball to begin. I was excited by the first couple of moves and thought we were going to get a few things done and put a good team on the field in 2022, while still allowing opportunities for the prospects. Right now I feel disappointed and almost apathetic, like I just came down hard from a sugar/caffeine high.

Personally, I don't believe Sanchez is going to get a ot of time at DH, barring a HUGE turnaround in his career. I'd be happy as can be if he could just provide experience and simply hit in the .220-.230 range with power as the #2, for about 1/3 of games caught, and probably be done by the end of the season. I think we can easily see better options at DH; Arrzez and Sano jump to mind immediately. And I don't expect a lot from Godoy. I'm hoping his defense is solid. He's only 27yo, bats LH, and while possessing little power, he hit fairly well in milb and his OB was solid. If he's got some defensive chops, he's going to be the 3rd catcher and spend all or most of his season in St Paul, barring injury issues. This isn't how I mapped out a re-tool, but I'm not anxious about a fairly young 3rd catcher with at least some hitting potential. I'm more anxious about what is waiting to be done.

While the entire process of this re-tool has me a bit confused, I see a method to the madness. The Twins believe in the Jeffers they drafted, honed, and have seen throughout his milb career, what he showed in 2020, and glimpses he showed in 2021. They believe he is the future. I can't disagree with them. We also have to reign in angst about Sanchez as the Twins didn't go looking to trade for him, they took him back as part of a deal to shed Donaldson and to free up $ for additional moves and flexibility. NOW, they need to figure out how to USE that flexibility and maximize it. I am not a fan of Sanchez. I'm not crazy about him as out backup catcher. But barring injury, he should only catch about 1/3 of games. Despite being questionable behind the plate, he's "been there and done that" and offers experience to impart. He has power. Despite his falling BA the last few years, he's still kept his OB above .300. I'm expecting nothing from him that is substantial. But it isn't inconceivable that a change of scenery, a new opportunity, a new voice of instruction might see him rebound to say a .220-.230 hitter with power. That could make him a decent asset as the #2. I don't buy in to him spending much time at DH as we have other options there that are better hitters. And I do expect him to be gone after this year, if not during the year at some point.

#5, how is Arraez moving around and how does he look in the field as well as at the plate after an intense n offseason or work and the reported loss of 11 pounds.

Makes sense. If Thorpe can make the move and stick, gives the Twins 3 LH in the pen which is pretty awesome. It pushes Moran to St Paul to begin the year and season up a bit. Nothing wrong with that. If his FB can play up a bit more, I like Jax and his slider in a pen role. Interesting move at this point though, to move him without begining the season in the rotation. I know we have a ton of young arms and a couple AAA fillers, but still a little surprised the move was made so soon. Further convinces me the young arms are healthy, the Twins aren't going to hesitate to use them, and they are going to add another rotation piece soon.

Playing the amateur GM game, this not the way I would have approached the re-tooling of our beloved Twins. But nobody has offered me the job, or sought my advice, lol. So let's look at this yellow brick road idea. I'm not as big a fan or Story as a lot of others. Despite various reports I've read that his bat comes around later on road trips as he becomes acclimated to being away from Coors Field, I'm still worried about his huge career splits. Now, NOT having half his games in the thin air might alow him to further adjust on a regular, daily basis, and he might be just fine. That's the hope, right? Even then, I doubt we'd see the same kind of numbers/production he had in Colorado. Doesn't mean he wouldn't still be a solid hitter with said adjustments, just probably not the producer he was previously. He fits a HUGE need, the $ is there to make it happen, and he'd be the best every day SS the Twins have had since...you pick the player and year. It's been a while. And his signing in no way is an indictment of Lewis's potential or future. The kid needs to PLAY. What's the worst case scenario? A year, year and a half from now the Twins have a great young talent ready and can stick at SS or move around? That's a GREAT problem to have! I hope a Story happens, and I hope it happens soon so we can continue to put this team together. I DON'T like moving both Garver AND Rortvedt at all, even though I like Jeffers and think he will do just fine. I'm not as down on Sanchez as some. While not great defensively, he can offer experience and leadership to Jeffers and the team as a whole. He has undeniable power, and has consistently kept his OB above .300 even with a declining BA. A new start, new opportunity, could his bat rebound? Even hitting in the .220-.230 range with power could provide value. And while the Twins like to rest their catchers, I bet he only starts about a third of the games. But I'd sure like to see someone else brought on board in some capacity for depth. The Twins have a handful of guys who have at least SOME promise, but we're lacking anything close to ready depth at this point. I kinda like Urshela as a depth/insurance piece at 3B and SS with at least a little experience and possibility at 2B and 1B. The glove is at least OK. It appears the bat is at least OK, and he has power. He could provide help, especially if Arraez is moved in a deal. I like getting Gray. Period! The LAST THING I want the FO to do is trade off a slew of top prospects for a short term gain. But between a deal with Oakland, maybe Miami, or even re-visiting another deal with Cincinnati, adding a 2nd quality arm really puts this team in a good place. But again, the last they need to do is mortgage the future for 2022. Some have viewed the Yankees trade as a cost cutting move. Well, yea, it is. But that cost cutting move frees the team to make a Story deal. It allows them to maybe extend whatever pitcher they still add. They might even tack on a quality RH bullpen arm to really set things up there. (Pun slightly intended). And there is additional $ potentially coming off the books in the next year or so for greater flexibility. There is a real method to the madness with the FO I can clearly see. But it might just blow up in their face if they don't make the Story signing a reality.

OK, I've never been a fan of Donaldson's attitude or mouth on occasion. But I love his dedication and love for the game. (And he hasn't necessarily been wrong with some of his accusations). I have LOVED how he embarced being a mentor to the Twins young kids when brought on board. He and Cruz BOTH provided a professional influence, though in different ways. And frankly, forgetting production Donaldson may still provide, I'm a bit worried about team leadership at this point. Donaldson was a fine producer in his Twins uniform and a good leader. But things do change. And if the FO pulls off what they are attempting to do, the change may be for the betterment of the future. I keep thinking how much I dislike the catching depth with Sanchez becoming our #2 option. And maybe that will still change. But IF the Twins stick with him on a 30% playing format, he still offers a veteran influence for Jeffers. He might still get OB and provides some POP. And MAYBE his BA and overall production rises with a new team. But MAYBE his best trait is being a clubhouse presence and an advisor to Jeffers.

To me, the plan, based on moves and reports is obvious. And I'm sorry I haven't had time to read everything or like or comment. The Twins cleared the books for Story. They would LOVE 4yrs, but they are smart enough to know it's not going to happen. So they are looking at him playing SS...reports had Story turning down an offer to change positions...and sign him for 5yrs at $20-22ish per and front load the contract to absorb cost while they can afford to do so. And they CAN afford to do so, even if the cost is "slightly" higher. Next, they are talking to the A's about a trade for Montas or Manaea. (You might substitute the Marlins in here for one of their pitchers). Such a trade will hurt, at least a little, but what they want/need is TBD. I could easily see Arraez, maybe Urshela as a short term option, and Larnach or Wallner, and at least one of the Twins best young arms. Considering the Bassit trade, Duran is clearly in play here. As might be a number of our top pitching prospects. But they also might be wanting to dump a contract as they have a few guys they may want to move on from. And the good news is the Twins have the finances to do so in 2022 and 2023, potentially. So an A's trade might hurt, but the hurt may be mitigated a bit by prospects vs taking on salary for the A's. So it could end up being a 1 for 3 or 2 for 3 vs a 1 for 4. That works in the Twins favor. The point is, despite "hurt", said hurt might not decimate the system while bringing in another top arm. Still worried about a better option besides Sanchez at catcher, and want to use $ for a quality BP arm to make this staff really work, but I absolutely see what the FO is doing. Hope like hell they make it work.

I like Gray and adding him absolutely makes the team immediately better. And while it stinks to move someone as tantalizing and with such a high ceiling as Petty, history is pretty harsh on HS arms, even 1st rounders. On the surface, this is a good move. My only issue is: 1] There were a handful of arms at least comparable in FA to be had for money only...albeit at a higher yearly than Gray...and no prospects had to be traded. 2] I wish they had done #1 and still made this trade. I'm sure they aren't done yet. The question is another trade or a FA? If they weren't going to drop $18-20M on anyone, I sure wish they had moved fast and hard on Kikuchi right after the lockout's end. Not yet 30yo, good velocity and stuff to work with, I think he might be a steal in 2022. Looks like Pineda is the best remaining FA. Still seems like a natural fit. Another trade would cost more, but would probably provide a higher return as well. I like the Gray trade and think it was smart. I just think it could have been part of something bigger. Much like signing a SS and either keeping Garver or using him as part of a different deal for pitching. Fine moves. It's just the amateur GM in me feels an opportunity for BIGGER may have slipped by.

So I read the news early this Saturday morning and worked all day, then ran errands, read every single opinion on TD to the time when I'm posting now, did a little research on career numbers, and even listened to Tom's video post/opinion before I began to voice my thoughts/opinion. All of this to be dispassionate about my opinion and attempt to look at things from a practical and logical approach. I wanted to be fair after my early morning surprise. My opinion after much time and contemplation: I don't like this trade. In the interest of total "fairness", I feel it's important to look at the pro's and con's involved, from Falvey's statement, to the opinions shared by all the posters, to my own thoughts. CONS: 1] We can debate all we want to about Garver's defense, but overall, receiving, game calling, framing, throwing, it was at least solid if not pretty good. Fair? His offense has been above or well above average since his ML debut with the exception of 2020 when he basically played hurt the whole year and tried to gut things out. He doesn't ever have to reproduce 2019 numbers again to be one of the best offensive catchers in all of MLB. Yes, he's had a concussion and a couple of injuries. His serious injury in 2021 was completely freakish in nature, and he STILL came back to play and pound and produce at the plate. He's not old at a little over 31yo and has been on a "time share" behind the dish with an approach the Twins like and I applaud. So limited number of games played is GREATLY skewed by this. I was looking forward to having no fixture at DH and allowing him to get a little time there on a share basis to keep his bat in play. He wouldn't have brought a quality ML SP on his own, but could have been part of a 2 for 1, or similar, that might have. 2] SS was a gaping hole! And the Twins needed a 1-2yr fix/option at least. Saying the talented and athletic Martin has ZERO chance to play SS in the long run might be accurate. Probably is. But to not allow him to try and a light bulb turning on after ONE professional season is wrong. (Even if it turns out he can only be a fill-in at the spot). Further, despite time missed, Lewis is just as talented an athlete, probably more so, and still just might be THE GUY once he gets back to playing again. With Galvis removing himself from the discussion with a surprising move to Asia to play, there was a chance the respected/proven Iglesias might rebound in 2022. Villar could maybe handle the spot for a year and at least provide an offensive upgrade. For that matter, Simmons is still a high quality defender who has a higher career OPS then IKF despite his awful 2021. Any kind of rebound to his career norm would make him a viable and quality short term option. And on the trade front, do the Cardinals really want to spend several $M for DeJong as a utility/fallback option? I thought he could be grabbed for a couple decent prospects from St Louis. 3] Catching depth is now removed from the Twins system as there are a handful of "interesting" prospects who could advance in 2022, but Jeffers and the probably "not quite ready" Rortvedt are now in the spotlight and I have no clue where the depth comes from. PROS: 1] Garver HAS had a concussion and some other injuries, though the 2021 groin injury/surgery MIGHT be dismissed based on it's freakish nature. And while his workload has been carefully monitored by the Twins' , he has yet to be a 60-70% full time catcher. While I believe he's a young 31yo backstop, I can see other teams questioning injury and age as to his future behind the dish. And I do agree that his trade value may be higher now than a year from now. (I'm looking at THIS trade at the moment, and not part of a different package, to be clear). 2] I dismiss the idea of catcher splits in regard to offensive numbers in regard to 2021 Garver/Jeffers. I tend to dismiss in general because I haven't seen many teams over the years who have a "perfect" split of RH/LH. I just think Jeffers got off to a bad start in 2021. And I sorta expected that as he was young and needed to make some adjustments as pitchers adjusted to him. But drafted as an offense first catcher, he has developed nicely as a defensive backstop, probably better than Garver. He hit in college, hit in milb, has flashed at the ML level, he's younger, he's better defensively overall...now he gets the reps to be part of the future. He may never be the pure hitter Garver was, but could come close. And with even better defense, might be the better player. Rortvedt, IMO, is not yet ready, despite his defense and "Gung ho" attitude. I don't know if there is ANYONE available right now on the FA market or really cheap trade, to bring in as a short term backup, but I'm hoping there is. And that's not a knock on Rortvedt. If you look at his history, he's made improvements yearly. I love the kid. But just a little more time to develop could give the Twins a great 1-2 punch as early as this year. I'd still like another veteran involved because I'm worried about AAA depth at this point. But it's now time for a couple talented prospects to get their time to establish themselves. And the potential is pretty damn good. 3] I was surprised to find out Kiner-Falefa is actually relatively new to being a SS after being converted from catcher. (Never heard of that move before). Now, that conversion took place a few years ago, but I find it interesting. He's spent time at 2B and 3B, as well as SS but he looks like a true defensive SS. He's at best an OK offensive SS, and he has some speed which I value and like, but his 20SB is a career high. But speed on the bases, with an OK bat, and quality defense is nothing to dismiss. Just ready to turn 27yo, there is some upside in his game offensively and defensively. Not expensive, there is the "option" to keep him in some capacity, especially if he improves, vs just being a temporary option. But he DOES fill a need at SS for now. I actually love that he's athletic enough and versatile enough to even cover catcher. NOT that he was brought on for that. But it's interesting. Henriquez is also part of the trade. Not overly excited here, but I see value. We all know milb always has weight, if not height, incorrect based on original draft/signing numbers. Despite looking a bit lanky on video I've seen, I bet he's more in the 175-185lbs range these days. If he can whip it to the reported velocity with 2 pitches and a questionable 3rd, he could be a SP candidate, but he screams high velocity middle IP BP candidate. And that's OK. SUMMARY: This trade is not COMPLETE B.S. There is value here and some potential. I still don't like this trade. I think we sold wrong, not low, but wrong.

YES!!!

I think the OP is pretty spot on. And I like and agree with so many comments here. But I think there's a lot to discuss and I'm going to attempt to bullet point here; 1] Back in the day, I always hated only 2 divisions in each league. No matter how good you were, if you finished 2nd your season was done. Never made sense to me. I think 3 divisions in each league took WAY TOO LONG to happen, but it finally did, with a WC. I think baseball was better for it. I've never had a problem with 2 WC teams, but I've always felt the 1 game "coin flip" to advance was ridiculous. It should have always been a 3 game "play in" format. I am just fine with 12 teams, if you can actually make it work without similar "coin flip" games...but I will adjust I guess...and not prolong thr season well in to November. But I really hate a 14 team format! At that point, it's mediocrity vs money ONLY and everything becomes watered down. ESPECIALLY with this BIZARRE idea of a 1-0 nothing series lead on the books. Do we really want baseball to follow the NBA and NFL format of allowing .500 and below teams in, on occasion? Especially when the 162G marathon is supposed to mean something? Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face! And the "ghost win" is so abhorantly ridiculous I can't even laugh! Just play a 3 game series or continue with the 1 game "coin flip" that I hate. At least it would be decided on the field. 2] Regarding sustainability, that doesn't mean, and has never meant, the Twins would be in contention EVERY season. NOBODY can guarantee that EVERY season. It's about being a good, solid team with a chance to win and be relevant MOST years. (Same with any sport). Over the past 5 years the Twins won, went to the playoffs, lost, and then won 101 and 36 games, (prorated was about 96G), and were in the playoffs and then had a weird, bizarre, who could predict 2021. THREE winning seasons out of five and in the playoffs. And no matter how much we want to look back on 2021 with revisionist eyes and opinions, or languish about how things didn't turn out and this and that happened...2021 just HAPPENED. Even the pundits felt the Twins would win, and fight the Dirty Sox for the Central crown. Crap happens, and it happened in Biff Tannen horse crap way. But 3 of 5 years, to me, is a mark of sustainability, even with unexpected disaster in 2021. 3] When crap happens like it did in 2021...and I include an implosion of prospects, mostly pitching being affected by a variety of 2020 factors, and the Twins weren't the only team affected...sometimes a team needs a re-set. It's unfortunate, and sucks, but it's reality. The Maeda injury only magnifies the issue. I am NOT a fan of punting on 2022, especially with the talent on hand, and an expanded playoff format. And while a fan of our FO, I am NOT a fan of ignoring the opportunity to add pre-lockout that seemed so obvious to me. Add while still providing opportunity during the season just made so much sense! I would be stunned if the FO traded more than 2 players off the 40 man as well as 2-4 prospects from the top 15-20 list to add pitching. I DO believe that they had some trade options they liked but couldn't pull the trigger due to the lockout. I NEVER saw the Oddo trade, or the Maeda trade, or the Donaldson signing. I was even pleasantly surprised by the Cruz signing. So I really have no clue what our FO is looking at once the lockout is done. Could they make a Story or Rodon signing? Maybe. Could they trade from ML and milb depth to aquire a quality pitcher? Absolutely and maybe. Could they bring back Pineda and someone like Kikuchi to flesh out their roation with a veteran and an "upside not yet realized" addition? Yes. Maybe Odorizzi comes back cheap but as a good fit. Again, not exactly happy how things happened, or didnt happen, pre-lockout. And no matter what happens, i think having room for young pitchers being allowed to progress and audition is important. And i think that is ultimately part of the 2022 plan. But I dont feel the FO is done with moves once the lockout is done. ..

I like the rule 5 because it allows an opportunity for some younger players that may be blocked in an organization a chance to make it. The reality is most of the time those players selected are returned, kept but never turn out, and a precious few turn out to be viable role players or quality regulars. But it at least affords them a chance. If you're a losing/rebuilding team, you probably lose nothing. If you're a winning team, you run the risk of maybe losing a decent/good ballplayer. But if your a good team, what you lose can normally be absorbed. I hope the very best for Badoo as well as Wells, who the Orioles picked up and kept. But they, especially Badoo at this point, are the exception rather than the rule. (Same with Santana all those years ago). In retrospect, maybe the Twins should have protected both. But with only 40 spots to fill and a belief the team was poised for another playoff run, they elected to keep some additional arms that might come in handy during the season. Not sure you can fault them for that. And we have to remember that Badoo hadn't played above A ball and had missed some time due to injury, not to mention missing all of 2020. Same with Wells. I know I was surprised they were selected and thought there was a very good chance each would be offered back, just not ready yet. I do think dismissing the rule 5 for this year does make sense. Hell, we don't even know when we'll have baseball at this point, and it's going to be awfully hard for anyone to be selected, jump in to ST, and then have any legitimate chance to stick. Further, the guys elgible are already in milb ST with their teams. How do you just suddenly ask them to pack up and move, especially IF the labor unrest isn't settled until these guys are actually playing games? I say table the rule 5 for this year.

I voted that I was flabbergasted. And I was. I know I tend to be a bit of an optomist, but I really liked that team and most of the moves. Now, I had reservations about a 100 win season, lol, but I felt the baseline was around 88 wins and as many as 94-96 wins if a couple things broke right. I didn't like letting May walk in a season where I felt we had an open widow still. I thought they should have kept Clippard for a couple $M. I wasn't crazy about some of the cheap pitching fliers they brought in, but appreciated some depth at St Paul that might turn out. And I wasn't crazy about not coming up with a 4th OF who could cover CF. I believed Cave would bounce back, but I wanted another option. On the other hand, my feelings on Happ and Shoemaker and Colome were pretty positive, unlike many of you. Turns out I was wrong on all 3 counts, in retrospect. But that's the key isn't it, looking backward now? I mean, Happ has had a solid career. I'm not sure he was a great fit with the Yankees, but he was coming off a very good 2020. He should have been a fine 4th starter and got off to a decent start. Colome has had a very good career and was also coming of a great 2020. Shoemaker, when healthy, was a solid SP who was signed as a cheap flier for depth and hope. He was a possible bridge until one of the young arms might be ready. The biggest problem made there was virtually guaranteeing him a spot instead of going with the younger Dobnak, who might have a future, and had a great ST. A rotation of Maeda, Berrios, Pineda, Happ, and Dobnak/Soemaker should have been really solid. Despite losing May, the addition of Colome to Rogers, Duffey, and Thielbar should have been the base for a pretty good pen. I had my doubts about the young Jeffers repeating what he did in 2020, and I was concerned about the 4th OF spot, and LF was open...but...AK, Rooker, Cave, and even some Arraez should have made LF at least OK. I was excited about Simmons at SS and his glove and "solid/average" bat. I liked the lineup and it's potential. And then the ceiling caved in like the old Metrodome! Yes, there were some good performances from Donaldson, Polanco, Garver post injury, Ober, etc. But it seemed like virtually EVERYONE got off to a cold start and took turns being injured. I mean, I literally can't remember a single pitcher or player that got off to a decent start to the season. (Shell shock might be impeding my memory). Even guys who finished strong seemed to perform well below expectation eary on. So yes, I voted flabbergasted. No way, no how, based on previous performance should the 2021 Twins have been that bad. It just seemed like anything that could go wrong did go wrong.

A little surprised Knoblauch wasn't on this list. And I could be mistaken, but I thought Jay Bell was highly regarded before being traded.

To address each issue: 1] The larger base idea is mostly to prevent injury, as I understood it's initial milb introduction. And I'm fine with that, as well as the concept that a culminate 3" gained between bases. That may not sound like a lot. But it could assist the excitement of the running game becoming part of the game again. It changes the complection of the "bang-bang" plays at 2B and sometimes at 3B. In a game literally measured by inches, it could bring excitement as well as safety. A] A HR by your favorite team is incredibly exciting! B] A triple by your favorite team may actually be more EXCITING to see/watch than a HR. C] Your team pulling of a successful SB has to be amongst one of the most exciting things to see. 2] MLB is NOT the wonderful game of local softball leagues with a rover. I am not opposed to shifting your OF, or re-aligning your infield. Never have been. But I've never liked the "over shifts" that have taken place the past few years. And I don't say that because I want Kepler to suddenly be an All Star, LOL. I say it because I think the game has lost some of it's excitement and interest. In any sport, you play a position. Let's think the NFL and nickel and dime backs for coverage and even designated rushers. They are adjusting for down and distance. So the offense should adjust, right? And some talk about "hitting the other way" or "laying down bunts" in MLB. And that's not wrong. But 20÷ years ago pitchers weren't throwing 95-ish without steroids. And the batters were just beginning to work and develop year round. So between pitchers getting even more filthy and lack of teaching, it's too easy to just say "hit the other way or bunt". But how about we just resort to the basics of the game? What's wrong with that? In the NFL or NBA there are still rules about man to man or zone. In MLB, I'm 100% about feet in the dirt. Shift your OF, shift your infield. And the SS or 2B can have their foot on the bag, but that's where they begin. 3] I'm fully in favor of a pitch clock. And being OCD, LOL, I hate the 14 and 19 option I've read about. Just make it 15 and 20 for goodness and relative sake. MLB pitchers will adjust...or they won't. But I'm still confused how this relates to batters as well. Does a batter get to pull away once, twice, to adjust? And how many times does a pitcher be allowed to step off to re-start the clock? I'm 100% on a pitch clock, I just to know a few more details.

Baseball is not going to die. Kids are still playing and loving the sport, though the pool of young, talented athletes have almost undoubtedly diminished with soccer, football, and even lacrosse growing across the country. College baseball seems to be growing in popularity, which is great, and those players come from somewhere. When this lockout ends, true baseball fans, including myself, will rejoice no matter how upset we are at this temporary stoppage. And while I have nothing to link to right now, I believe it's been shown that the average age of a MLB fan is growing. That means despite the fact kids are still playing, still playing in college, the youth of America is looking more and more towards football, basketball, other sports, or little interest in sports all together in favor of other activities. I've talked to my kids about baseball, forced them at times to listen to a game on the radio, and even taken them to a few games, or milb games, where they enjoyed the EXPERIENCE of a live game. But without a true love for the game, does the youth of today go and watch on their own? If and when there is no-one to "take/drag" them to a game, where do they find the "love" of the game? The TV contacts are going to diminish. And then the owners will wonder whatever happened to interest and lost revenues. Still shocks and surprises me how little interest ownership has in GROWING the game and it's popularity vs clutching every last dollar they can today. Don't they increase monetary value if the sport grows? And don't they "get back" whatever they feel they "lose" by "giving in" to certain union demands? I still find it darkly humorous that they can't see the NFL and NBA models for success and stubbornly refuse to adapt. Now, I do think ALL professional sports might be in for a rude awakening one of these days when fans can't afford to pay/attend as they used to, and corporations don't want to pay as much any longer for suites and bulk seating, but that is a different discussion for a different day. The lockout and missed games probably doesn't affect MLB short term, but it's division and lack of growth is going to have a long term affect that neither side seems to see or care about at this time.

I also wonder just how much better Kubel might have been if he hadn't tore up his knee. Banks was part of a GREAT collection of young pitchers that basically did nothing; Baumgartner (?), Nivens, Gasser, Nivens, Pittman, and Newman. Newman, IIRC, found some success as a coach. McCarty and Walker seemed like can't miss hitters. I'm still surprised that neither approached projections.

I'd leave Cavaco and Sabato off the list as lockout or not, they aren't going to be ready to help soon. (Especially Cavaco). But I would absolutely put SWR and Palacios on the list. And along with them, Gore, Mason, Hamilton, and just about any other bullpen arm that might position themselves for helpful/quick promotion once the ML season begins. Contreras might surprise as a call up 4th OF spot. And though few want to hear it, Cave, Garlick just might re-establish themselves as role player options.

His milb numbers are nothing special, but are solid for sure. And he has never been bitten that badly by the HR bug until his ML debut. I don't think his rookie introduction damns him for the future. I do wonder if he might not stick in the the Saints rotation initially. You hate to give up on a rotation option too soon, and depending on how long the lockout lasts, he might be needed in the rotation. It would also afford him a little more time to continue refining his pitches. But yes, I think his best role is going to be as a RP. I think his slider plays well there and I also agree that he seems to have a calm demeanor that should help him make that transition. But the FB has to play up for him to be better than a middle reliever. If it does, I could see him growing in to a possible set up man.

Maybe my memory is wrong, but Ueberoth was ML commissioner for a few great years who brought cache that the owners couldn't deny. And MLB was fine and grew.. Bud Selig wasn't exactly a good commissioner at all! And he will forever have a stain on him for is role. But he will be remembered for labor peace at least. Being a "former" owner he brought his own cache. Manfred is a bogus mouthpiece who has no love for the game and has no skin involved. He's happy to cash his checks until the owners decide, FINALLY, they are tired of the BS and want someone to lead MLB in to the future. No clue who that guy will be. Sure hope owners will figure it out soon. So why be romantic about baseball? Because it endures. Despite college football and the NFL and the NBA growth, and this CBA BS, baseball endures College BB and milb endures. MLB endures because we love the game. It endures because my father taught me the game over transistor radios and4car radios to know and love the game. And so yes, despite the BS that is occurring now, I LOVE BB and am just waiting for great days and great moments to come.

Seth, you nailed pretty much what I was going to say. Again, my only "side" is with baseball and what is best for it. I think BOTH sides are at fault here; the players to re-capture what they lost the last time AND gain more, and the owners for being stubborn, short-sighted, and yes, even greedy. I offered up an opinion a couple weeks ago that the union offered up proposals that would NEVER fly but did so deliberatly in an attempt to then lower demands. I don't like it, but I get it. But I've also been of the opinion, over and over again, that the owners were being stubborn and short-sighted. On the surface at least, as an outsider looking in, without HOURS of reading in to every detail, I have to admit that the owners last proposal does make sense to me. The "minimum salary" is a HUGE increase with further increases. I recognize that the pre-aritration pool of money is new, and not as much as the union asked for initially. Am I wrong? Isn't this a new pool of funds? If so, it's even more money to be spread out. Now I don't understand or pretend to understand all the parameters of the dispersal of said funds. I DO object if those funds go to a select few, regardless of who the agent is. I would be on ownerships side if those additional funds were broad based. I see real relevance to eliminating a draft pick for FA signings. And I see real value to a draft of international players for the good of the game. Playoff money benefits the owners, but also creates additional money for the players, yes? And weren't a few concessions made by the owners in regard to service time and FA status? I'm no expert, but doesn't this all sound pretty good for the players? I'm not crazy about the "lottery" because I think it's a publicity stunt brought on by the NBA, and proven in larger roster sports like the NFL and the history of the MLB draft to not make a definitive difference. The only major stumbling block I can see is either the union is trying desperately hard to correct 10yrs of changes all at once, or the "tax cap" has to be the issue. And I don’t know if Manfred is an idiot, or a puppet...and I'm trying to be nice here, I really am...but his claims about lost revenue and the stock market are simply ridiculous. I'm just a middle class schlub when it comes to high finance and a billionaire industry. But I can appreciate making "less" money in one of my investments. But that is entirely different than actually losing money! So any idea that the penalty tax floor actually makes a major difference in competitive balance is a mediocre difference at best. But it is a starting point. And right or wrong, proven or not, I COULD see where an agent as powerful as Boras could have an affect. The counter arguement, of course, is he also represents milb talent, not just ML talent. But, those milb players also represent his "next wave" of players to reap benefits of a new CBA. So I can't but dismiss milb players vs current ML players in this accusation. IMO, Boras may be part of the problem. He may be a major part of the problem. Maybe not. Time will tell.. But I doubt few would argue he has a voice beind the scenes. While the union is right to fight for all they can get, does it happen in a single CBA? Was the offer from the owners really bad? Personally, Boras or not, I think the union blew this negotiation from the start. For the first time EVER, they should have asked for some kind of cap/ceiling with a FLOOR in addition to the changes in revenue sharing and FA and service time. They can't strike now. Holding out is the best they can do. But they could have taken a whole different approach way before this. And the owners could have also done things differently way before we got to this point.