DocBauer

So to basically recap what I said in the front page OP, I was reading you, Seth, and John and Aaron and various links introduced me to everyone else. It was a natural progression to follow you all here when TD was created. I keep coming back because it is the single best reference location for Twins and Twins milb notes. And it's just a tremendous community of fans. What would I like to more of at Twins Daily? You mean, besides more stories about games won? Lol I really can't think of much of anything. It's already the best site available!

Well, I can't go any further without once again speaking about how awesome this site is and what it means to a life long Twins fan. (It's also a big deal for my "silent" father for topic discussion together). Just a tremendous site guys!! And it's the first thing I look at each morning. Thank you all! My initial "introduction" to you all was GEEK and SPEAKS, etc, and various other blog sites that I came across looking for content, especially of the milb and off-season variety. (Non-affiliated, I recall reading a lot of great content concerning the minors from a blogger who's name, I believe, was Josh.) So I "knew" everyone before TD was founded. And I enjoyed every moment of reading and information gathering I could take in! So it was a natural and welcome progression to simply follow the news and links to Twins Daily when it was founded. I think I went about a month or so of regular reading before I asked myself why I was reading and not contributing? So I created my account and joined in the discussion! And nobody's been able to shut me up yet! LOL

I've been thinking about this topic all day, plus reading additional posts, and have decided I have more to add. SURPRISE! LOL. #1] Really, just like any position player or pitcher, does it matter if you drafted/signed a SS or traded for one, but you developed one via trade, does it matter? You still worked/developed him. So he's still YOURS! #2] Lewis and Cavaco are the top draft choices for our current FO. (I'm leaving out recent international 16yo signings). The current FO inherited any other SS prospects. And if you are plugged in to the multiple changes that have taken place over the past few seasons, milb coaching and approach has gone through a huge transformation. So trying to bind the current system to years of SS frustration to the current system would be disingenuous. The Twins might have been wrong drafting Cavaco as a fast riser, 5 tool athlete. Just about ready to turn 20yo, we'll see. He might still surprise. Time is on his side. Lewis is about health. Period! And I don’t pretend to be any sort of expert. But I've seen enough in ST games, and TD highlights to see he has the range, arm, and athleticism to make the plays. But he also has to make the routine plays as well. If he has the ability to make the great plays, doesn't he have the potential to make the routine plays as well? I agree that good offense and OK defense makes him a great player. I think experience and time could make him at least better than average in both categories. But does 2022 define him? Maybe. I'd be happy as hell if he was healthy in 2022 and got his legs under him and split the season between AA early and finished at AAA.

To be fair to all 3 of these guys, no 2020 season hurt their development, as it did for most milb players. But in Lewis's case it was a double whammy as he then missed 2021 due to injury. (He does have the advantage at being at the alternate St Paul site in 2020 so as to continue getting in work and not stagnating). Wander missed a whole season due to surgery, then came back, then missed an entire second season. Gordon only missed the one year, but with his illness he might as well have been injured. Still not sure if he lost 15lbs or 25 as I've heard different reports. But he couldn't afford to lose any weight/strength like that. I think Lewis is going to be just fine, but even being an optimist I'm still saying 2023 at the earliest. Gordon has a history of growing and getting better his 2nd year at every level. I'm hoping that holds true this year, along with gaining some weight/muscle/strength back. He's probably never going to be anything close to a great hitter. But I'd take a decent one with speed and the ability to play all over the field defensively. Javier is a wild card at this point. As mediocre as his bat was in 2021, it was better than the last time we saw him, and the power started to come. There is at least a decent chance a healthy 2022 sees him suddenly break through and start to put it together. Sure hope so! Can't say 3 guys and injury, illness and covid over the past 4yrs is a clear indication of a "development problem" at this point. If it continues....well...then I think there may be some validity.

Man, I can't tell you how much I agree with your post! I'd like it twice if I could, lol. Again, it would be awesome if Larnach didn't need a little more time and was ready DAY ONE, but I'm going to agree with you that he just needs a little more time. But I think he's going to be really good. And I fully agree with Miranda doing everything to prove himself. As I stated before, he's not some flier late round pick. He was a top pick that the FO has just been waiting to put it all together. I still can't fathom why he didn't play in September last year. That is one of the few times I look at the FO and wonder WTH? I DO THINK a prospect, even a TOP prospect, might be allowed a little leeway in regard to promotion. As part of this OP, pitching is still the biggest question mark, and not position players, even though we're talking about Sano and Donaldson. Seems Sano is the lightening rod. And even if the Twins stand pat positional wise, isn't there still room for Miranda if he begins the year at St Paul? I'm NOT talking about holding service time down. And I would hate for that to happen. BS to me. But if Sano and Donaldson are NOT part of any trades once the CBA eventually happens, I could see Miranda starting 2022 at St Paul NOT as a ST issue, but rather as a roster in flux and him just waiting for first promotion.

We generally agree here. Forgetting contract numbers, Donaldson is still a quality 3B, albeit with decreased range. His production is still quality and he provides experience and leadership, something impossible to measure, but remains very real. Now, there is a "red ass" part of him that isn't always "likeable" but who cares? Maybe the young players need a little bit of that? I do disagree, however, that the Twins wouldn't find a trade partner for Sano. The question, IMO, is the VALUE returned for such a trade made. I've watched many inter-league games and I disagree with those who believe NL teams just have a ready bat to "plug in" to the DH spot. NL teams are built, and have been built for decades, to play in the NL. I can't think of a single NL team that kept a PH/reserve bat on their roster JUST FOR DH duties since inter-league play began. It's very true that when a NL team was playing an AL team they might put a better defensive player in the lineup, OR someone to give a regular player a half day off. But their rosters haven't been BUILT for those games, unless they might be someone like the Dodgers who had so much depth and versatility that it didn't matter. Also remember, until 2021, roster size was 25 and not 26. (Personally, I'm still hoping for a 27-28 man roster because I think time, change, and 2020 showed the game is changing, but a different discussion and different time). If I'm a NL team looking to put together a roster with the DH full time, I'm VERY interested in Sano. As a FO, I KNOW what he is and has been! He's inconsistent as hell, or at least slow to start. But when the season is done, he's going to carry my lineup for a few weeks from the #5-7 spot with 30HR and 20+ doubles power at the DH spot, and I don't have anyone else who can do that. He can also play a decent 1B and passable 3B if needed here and there. I don't think finding a trade partner is hard. I think it's about value return for what he might bring to the Twins in 2022 vs what you get back. Again, trade him if there is real value individually, or part of a package. But, IMO, there are a lot of NL teams that would love to get him based on career production and OPS production.

Mike, I LOVE the potential of Martin! What he did this year is all the more impressive considering he went from college, missed a year, then shot straight to AA at a new position(s) while battling a hand injury that robbed him of power. And I'd play him as much as I could at SS, for as long as I can, because: #1] His athleticism is quality and a light may come on and suddenly he looks like a decent option with room to grow there, OR... #2] at worst he can be an "emergency" or occasional option there. I also believe his future is in LF. And that's not a negative. It's about constructing a roster and utilizing his bat and abilities. Miranda appears to be a welcome future 3B. Polanco isn't going anywhere soon at 2B. Martin will be in LF, back up CF, cover 3B and 2B as necessary, and maybe be able to cover SS here and there if situations allow. But he also needs more time to adjust to pro ball and get his power game back. Not sure if you were mentioning him for LF in 2022 or later, but wanted to share my opinion.

The only problem here, in your proposed lineup, is you've doubled up at either 1B or DH. Someone has to play LF. But I generally agree with your post. The problem with LF, as of this moment, is not bodies or options, it's "readiness" as much as anything. And this post is about Sano, primarily, and his affect on the lineup/roster with or without him. Is this the year where Rooker suddenly grows as a ML hitter, improves his defense even a little bit, and proves his milb career and flash in 2020 is for real? Arraez was thrown into LF with little or zero experience and told to basically play a certain spot and not allow anything to be hit over his head. (Believe his initial instruction was to touch the wall and take a certain number of steps IN to position himself). I watched quite a few games of him in LF. He's not good. But he gave effort, and I've seen worse! Larnach and Celestino were brought up too early. I honestly believe in BOTH of them. And a fully healthy Larnach might build on what he did/saw/learned and be ready from DAY ONE, but the smart play is probably a month or more at St Paul to put it all together. Ditto for Celestino. IMO, that leaves Kirilloff as a part-time LF/1B and Sano splitting time at 1B/DH. I think Miranda is the real deal. He's not some flier who had a "fortunate" season. Doesn't mean he has to be handed a spot. Nothing wrong, everyone healthy, with him waiting for an opportunity after the season starts. Again, you need more than just 13 guys all season. Opportunity will be there.

Just tossing this out there, but LF is wide open right now for the Twins. And while I would love for Larnach to step forward day one and grab it, he might need a little St Paul time to get ramped up. Same with Celestino. A time share with Arraez/Rooker/ Etc? My point is AK may not just be moved to 1B all at once. He may be part of the LF equation for 2022. That gives Sano more "value" as a 1B and not merely a DH. And while it may seem we have a crunch at DH, how often do uph see a roster remain intact for the whole season? We always talk about needing 8-9 SP for a full season ar some point, and about a dozen RP before it's all said and done, but you also need about 18 position players to get through a season. By all means trade Sano if it's a good deal or he's part of a larger package. I'm all for it. I believe he has value, but not sure his trade value back to the Twins is enough to eliminate his 2022 presence while breaking in a handful of youngsters.

Beat me to it! I may be mistaken, but IIRC, Puckett was promoted because he was darn good but also because hey had to replace Eisenreich on the fly? What might have been!

Man, all I wanted to do was comment on the list and then we started the whole age debate thing. Now I have to try NOT to be as long winded as I normally am! LOL I will agree that age matters somewhat, in regard to history and HOF type performances. Is that what's being argued at the end of the day? I mean, back in the day, you saw "special" players debut as early as 19-20yo. Think Blyleven. Go to 80's and think Griffey and Gooden. More recent history, think King Felix and Correa. And you can research all you want and bring up as many examples as you want. NOBODY drafts or signs a phenom, generally speaking. They HAPPEN, and they are rare. Felix Hernandez and Gooden were destined for the HOF! Except, no they're not. But Randy Johnson struggled for a few years and then figured it out and had an amazing career and reached HOF status. On a much smaller scale, Dozier, All Star and future Twins HOF player, isn't worthy of being considered great because he didn't debut until he was about 24-25yo?. Joe Nathan was a SS before converting to being a pitcher and didn't come to the Twins and became a HOF "consideration" until age 27÷. All I'm saying is, a quality MLB prospect/player shouldn't always be ranked and considered just due to age. Hell, Cruz wasn't the player he became until he was about 27-28yo. And when you just accept that 2020 was a lost season for all but a few prospects, age reference becomes all that more difficult to extrapolate for future performance over the next couple of years. [Heavy sigh]. On to the good stuff: Varland has the FB, slider, and attitude, IMO, to be something. Why do so many...and this is not directed to anyone in particular...believe he is "destined" to a BP role after 1 1/2 seasons despite his amazing 2021? Because he hasn't fully developed his 3rd pitch yet? Excuse me? How many SP have fully developed that 3rd pitch coming out of A÷? But to some, he's already a BP projection. Why? How about we see him at AA at least before we suggest his future. Ditto for Sands. He's done nothing but advance and improve. His numbers are solid. And he, like others, may find themselves lacking a bit and end up as quality BP options going forward. And he may not have the pure velocity of someone Iike Varland, but it doesn't mean he has bad "stuff", just maybe not superior velocity. But we all know a SP, or any pitcher, doesn't make or break their career based on velocity alone. BUT, pure projection on stuff I might nudge Varland ahead of Sands. But we're splitting some small hairs and I'd be willing to bet we'll see Sands up in September, if not sooner, gaining some valuable IP. Walner is behind AK and Larnach, no doubt. And while I don't hold age against most prospects in general, and especially after 2020, he needs to overcome 2020 quickly and prove his 2021 and AFL production is real and RAKE at AA and get a mid season promotion. He's Rooker with better defense if he doesn't figure a few things out. I want to be optimistic, but I also want to see more. I'd probably drop him down a couple of spots. Celestino wasn't ready, but was called on through desperation. It's a credit to him and his talent he didn't implode. Instead, he learned and adapted and did great at AAA. He's got all the tools to be an outstanding 4th OF and maybe more. I'm hoping he can get at least a half season of AAA to prep himself for his next promotion. I appreciate the consensus of Miller. I wouldn't put him this high. I am OK with him not having any tool that ranks high. I'm OK with range, a good arm, overall athleticism, pop/power ability, and solid contact. I have this weird feeling he's Greg Gagne with a better offensive profile. And that would be awesome.

I like this group a lot. But I suspect I'm going to be saying that a lot throughout this series. I'm very intrigued by Hajjar and his projectability. I'm going to have to believe that with his frame, and some tweaks by coaching, his velocity is going to sit consistently in the mid 90's with sustainability. I guess my question is just how good is his curve, or how good can it be? Would he be better off altering to to more of a power slurve instead? I feel bad for Enlow, as I would anyone who undergoes TJ. If there's a silver lining I guess it would be that he's still quite young and looked like he was starting to really figure some stuff out. They say control is the last thing to come around following TJ. Here's hoping he finds it quickly enough to be at AA come 2023, if not the end of this year. I'm rather enamored by both Steer and Julien. With all due respect to Arraez, who I love, and Gordon who I think has a chance to carve out a solid career as a super-utility player with speed, Steer and Julien could both be even better options and relatively soon if they keep on their current trajectory. Really hoping Steer has enough glove to be a legitimate bench SS, as well as 2B/3B. Looks like Julien could play 3 infield spots and LF. They offer a mix of positional flexibility and a mix of power and speed that could make them semi-regulars. (Especially Julien? Could he be a top of the order presence on a daily basis?) Hard to not be excited about Rodriguez as not yet 19yo, already with a year under his belt, and possessing defense, OB ability and power. He seems to have a solid approach as his walks and XB power show. Now he just needs greater consistency. And just to comment further on Strotman, he's not old, but not a kid. But TJ and 2020 robbed him of 2yrs. That isn't his fault or a lack of development. Again, control takes a little while to get back post TJ. And his control in 2021 wasn't great for sure. But the velocity is there and seemingly some solid secondary stuff. I think he ran out of gas after the Twins got him. He might end up in the pen. And a few of our arms are going to. But I still think he's got a shot at the rotation at some point this year.

You are correct on Strotman. He had TJ and then missed all of 2020. So after basically missing 2yrs he bypassed AA and when straight to AAA where he posted quality numbers but with a little control issue. (Not unexpected all things considered). In Seth's recent interview with him he spoke about maybe trying too hard to impress his new team, etc. And while that may be true, I also agree he may have been wearing down.

That honorable mention list is a pretty good one! And I think it's safe to say at least a couple of the names mentioned might already be top 20 if they either hadn't missed out on 2020 or had greater opportunity in 2021. Interesting that Hajjar isn't listed in the honorable mention. Is that an unintentional omission? Or is he in the top 20? If he is, I'd debate that vs Povich. I am surprised that Strotman isn't in the top 20. I have to wonder/ask if it's due to the strength of the top 20, or, is there some recency bias because he looked good in the Ray's system and then struggled after coming to the Twins? I don't know if I'm sold on Sabato yet for various reasons. I'm sure a layoff didn't help him. But I was encouraged by his performance after the promotion to CR. But I'd also have him outside the top 20. I also agree with Cavaco outside the top 20. I know he's still very young and has some great tools...and that is part of ranking talent...but except for the first month plus in 2021, he just hasn't really shown anything YET. Hopefully he's 100% healthy and ready to go in 2022. And I don't mean this as a knock on him, but I wonder if there is a mental/emotional factor of growth involved for someone so young. (Seemed like a great kid in his podcast interview). I'm excited to see what Severino does next season. But I'm with MLR on Raya completely! Not sure I can fully explain the "why", but he was my favorite selection in the 2020 draft. Just "something" about his stuff and potential and attitude that spoke of a HS pitcher that might be a steal. I guess he sorta reminded me of Berrios. My biggest 2021 milb disappointment was him not pitching. I'm super encouraged about his instructional reports. And I may be more excited about seeing what he does this year than almost any of the very young kids in the system.

I think I may see a little bias here. LOL

I've been reminding people for a while now about his 2nd year tendencies. No reason for it to stop now, right? (Hoping). Additionally, while never exactly a hulking figure, it sure seemed last year he hadn't put any/all of the weight he lost from his bad covid experience. Here's hoping he comes in a good 15lbs heavier this season with good weight.

IF I were the long-winded type who jumped up on a soapbox once in a while, (wink-wink, nudge-nudge), I'd pause for a moment to just yell out that I'm sick of covid and all that we have lost and all that has transpired over the past couple of years, and then I would rant a bit more specifically about baseball and the lost 2020 milb season and the affect that has had on the game in general, and specifically our beloved Twins and the development of their prospects and their grand plan to build a staff, without leaving out the various position players who have lost so much time as well. And then I'd rant some more about the CBA and both the players and owners further strangling the great game of baseball with their obtuse ways of thinking, especially with how the past couple of years have played out in society in general, and baseball specifically. I might even go so far off the deep end that I might proclaim something to the effect of actually missing Bud Selig as commissioner. Could I really say something like that??? But since I'm NOT that type...(cough-cough)...I will only concentrate on the OP. One of the great travesties about the ongoing lockout and CBA arguements...is "travesty" too harsh?...is the affect on young prospects on the 40 man rosters who have already missed so much time. Now, if things suddenly get settled over the next couple of weeks, things can get back to normal fairly quickly and ST and the season can get underway. But if it drags on, ST will begin for milb and those players will continue on as normal, preparing for 2022. But all the young talent,for the Twins and everyone else that is less important, (hehe), on the 40 man will be stuck sitting at home and losing further rehab and developmental time. Already, there are non-union ballplayers in Ft Myers working out, ramping up, and getting ready for 2022. These may be somewhat informal workouts at this point, but you can bet that guys like Balazovic, Strotman and others would already be hard at work getting stretched out and getting prepared. And Lewis is probably the biggest loser of them all if this drags on. No matter his MVP finish in the AFL at the end of 2019. No matter his work and development in 2020 over at St Paul, he lost 2021 due to his unfortunate knee injury. And above probably any prospect, he needs time, rehab, guidance, and time to ramp up and get ready. And that is a HUGE bummer right now.

I don't like to buy in very deeply as to what numbers say someone "might" have done or "should" have done. Numbers can be skewed and what's most important, usually, is what actually happened at the end of things. Even still, Donaldson DID play and produce. And based on various WAR numbers, that I appreciate but don't always "get" henearned his pay in 2021. And I liked how the Twins rotated him at DH here and there to help keep him fresh. A similar 2022 would be just fine with me. And with everyone around him performing better, his numbers could rise if he plays another 130G. And he's still fine defensively, though his range has slipped some. Sano is just always going to be a streaky player it appears. But he's so good and so dangerous at times that I can live with that, even though I'm not sure I ever want him hitting higher than the 5 hoke. He still brings tremendous value over the course of the year, even though it doesn't appear he'll ever be the hitter we had hoped for. I also don't think he's quite as bad defensively as some numbers indicate. He's still learning 1B and makes some silly mistakes. But he's solid on pop-ups, mostly fields cleanly, and is adept at scoop plays. The biggest issue here might be room with Kirilloff back and healthy and the need for Miranda to play. It's also why we don't need a full time DH. (Areaez also fits in to the DH picture). Of course, we know over an entire season, these things will often work themselves out. Both of these guys are an oxymoron. Each offers real value and real production not only for the Twins, but for other teams as well that would like to have them and could benefit from their presence. (Especially if the DH is adopted in the NL). But there are enough questions about each that there are real questions of return value if traded vs just keeping them and what they can bring to the Twins. Sano may be inconsistent, but remains so dangerous and largely productive at the end of the day. Even healthy, Donaldson isn't getting younger, but is still good and dangerous and provides fire and experience and if traded, do you really get much salary relief considering you will have to eat part of his deal? I think both probably remain with the Twins to open 2022 and I'm OK with that. I'm not in a hurry to move either one. But I'm also OK with doing so if the right deal comes along.

Forgive me, I'm going off on a weird tangent for a moment, but bear with me as I have a point here. Here in Nebraska, BIG RED LAND, there is a strange perception that STILL permeates DECADES after the Huskers became nationally relevant and became a college football powerhouse. To this day, recruiting has been contingent on young men, and their families, actually taking a visit. Once here, they realize it's not just cornfields and tiny towns. They realize Lincoln is a small-ish city but not a tiny town. And Omaha is just down the road. And they realize it's a great University in a buzzing town with a great fan base, great facilities, and a tremendous fan base. Perception is everything. So let me backtrack now. The Twins have 3 issues in regard to FA: 1] IMO, regional bias is real, to some degree. There is real truth that California, the SW, including TX, the entire SE, provide a larger majority of MLB talent than the Midwest does, for a variety of reasons not worth getting in to. Money being close to equal, playing "close to home" has to have at least SOME bearing. I mean, if you can live, mostly at least, year round in 1 place that is home, or close to home for wife and kids family relatively close, wouldn't you enjoy that? Milwaukee, Cleveland, Chicago, KC, etc, also share in this situation. Just being honest and real, not everyone wants to live most of their year in the Midwest, even if you aren't spending the winters here. 2] And this refers back to point #1 to some degree, PERCEPTION has a degree of affect. MLB players have traveled all over to small towns and small cities in their milb career. And they have seen EVERY ML city at some point, and EVERY park if they've been around for a few years. And undoubtedly they've been impressed, or not impressed by said ballparks and a few restaurants or bars they may have visited, or had a taste of the fan base. They've been around. But that doesn't mean they know what it's like to part of that community. Is a FA tantalized by LA and NY,etc, without knowing the charms of Minneapolis, KC, etc. Have you EVER heard a single player dis the Twin Cities once they played here? 3] Once again, perception is a key. The current FO lost out on Darvish though they were in the final 3. He signed for almost the same per year the Cubs offered, but Chicago won basically because they offered an extra year. They offered $20M+ just as an initial offer to Wheeler a couple years ago before being told right up front they were out of it because he would only consider an East Coast team. But the initial offers were there! And Donaldson signed for a huge contract. Has Donaldson uttered a negative word about the Twins at this point? Last off-season, there were various reports that the agents for Twins players who were arbitration eligible complimented the FO for their openness and honesty in dealing with their players. And remember, those agents represent more than just Twins players! So again, we're talking about PERCEPTION vs PREVIOUS attitudes and ideas over a decade before and how things were done. So players, and agents, have to re-examine how things are being done. And I think that is happening. And 3 playoff teams, 2 divisional championships, and a new way of doing things is going to bring weight going forward unless we see some surprising downward change, which I don't think any of us expect. I know it sounds kinda crazy in the world of MLB professionalism, but I find myself wondering if the Twins should: A] Just BOUNCE at a #1 target before they settle back and wait...and.... B] Why in hell wouldn't they "recruit" FA prospects and utilize current and past Twins to help them realize what's available for them in Target Field and what's here and what may be coming?

So if he's already pumping his FB 95-97, what happens to velocity and endurance once he's packing 210lbs of muscle on that frame? Of course he needs at least 1 more consistent pitch. And he has to maintain control. But he should be very interesting to follow this year.

Today? Flip a coin between Rodriguez and Petty! If you twist my arm between 1A and 1B, I'll put Rodriguez at 1A simply because he's a little older. Tomorrow? Whatever college SS or C they select in the 2022 draft will join these 2 to create a fantastic top 3!

Kinda stole my thunder because I was thinking about this the last couple of days. The evolution of the bullpen has been vast the last few years. I think there is something to be still said about a traditional "closer" if you have one to finish a game. But I think we have discovered/realized that a save by someone facing the bottom of the order doesn't mean what it used to mean, with all due respect to Reardon, Nathan, Perkins and others. There is ABSOLUTELY a place for a CLOSER. Because there ARE games when the heart of the opposition lineup will come up. And the best bullpen will have some STUD to deal with anyone. But those kinds of arms aren't available to everyone. You're lucky if you have one. Not perfect, Rogers has been pretty close to great. Colome was until he wasn't, ugh, what might have been. As far as 2022? I haven't heard a single word of doubt about Rogers. So I'm riding with this, Duffey started poorly, figured stuff out, adapted, has a young arm, I'm OK. Thielbar allowed too many inherited runners to score, then settled down, I'm OK. Alcala was pressed,flashed but was poor, settled down and was beyond OK. Moran didn't have a great debut, but we know what he offers and at least got his feet wet. He has a chance to be really good. But if everyone is healthy and ready to go, he could ramp up at AAA initially. Does Thorpe, out of options, have a shot at the pen as a 3rd LH? Or is he a waiver option we hope sticks around? Colombe is still around as a roster addition if needed. The left side is OK if Rogers is healthy. No disrespect or lack of conviction, but this pen needs another RH to take the pressure off of Rogers and Duffey and Alcala. And there are a number of options available after the lockout. And it's pointless at this point to pick ONE, But there are a few arms who offer competence if not upside. And we need that! The 2022 bullpen is going to roll through options not just for RP, but for SP getting their feet wet in the pen at times. But assuming good health, and one smart FA signing, the pen could easily have 5 guys to depend on. That, potentially, gives you 3 spots to float with all available arms between St Paul and the ML roster. Think Stashak, Jax, and others who could play and audition in the pen, Cotton, and Garza as current options.

In the fantastical landscape of millionaires vs billionaires we all have to "suspend belief" in these kinds of activities the way we are forced to do in a Michael Bay film. Pretty hard to feel sorry for either side really. We just want baseball, and we want the game to be good, healthy, and on as equally level playing field as possible. But neither side is asking me, or any of us, for an outside and practical view. Personally, I thought some of the initial BPA asks were pretty outrageous and not good for the game. And while I didn't say it, I found myself wondering if that wasn't a very deliberate tactic they knew would ever fly and would then allow them to back off from those demands and give the appearance of acquiescence in the negotiations. I think that theory has been born out by recent changes. And look, I have no problem with any athlete looking to earn more money. I think we can all appreciate that sentiment. My only, personal, issue with any athlete has been the argument of "only having a few years to make my money before I retire", as if they couldn't do anything else the rest of their lives from mid 30's on or struggle in their retirement financially. And if that sounds petty, please understand I don't mean it to sound that way. It's just a rub of mine as a fan who wants the best for my favorite teams/sports and the growth and health of such teams/sports. Even in this rather absurd sports society of $20 parking, and $12 beers, I am wholly supportive of any player making as much money as they can. But in baseball, particularly in this regard, I remain more concerned about the milb players, and the young players getting a "fair" salary. I am much more in favor of ANY new design where the 1-6yr players receive greater salaries than I am a 30yo receiving $300M in a bidding war amongst a handful of teams vs them making more earlier in their careers and then having to "settle" for a $200M deal amongst a greater number of bidding teams. I'm not talking some "social spending" in baseball. I'm simply talking about a greater spreading of wealth amongst all players, as well as all teams. And where I see the biggest problem is actually amongst the owners at this point, though the players definitely share part of the blame. If the owners actually give a damn about baseball in general, it's appeal and growth, then they should earnestly care about greater competitive balance. That would only create better competition and greater public/fan interest, which would only increase further value/revenue generated! But they can't even get their own house in order. Revenue sharing should be greater and broader. But there is nothing in place to prevent a smaller market team from keeping salaries and spending low and pocketing said revenue dollars. This is why I believe the owners need to allow for greater revenue sharing with some sort of floor, or floating floor. Unlike the NFL, MLB has guaranteed contracts, which is why high and firm resolutes aren't going to work. But a general, semi-even, equitable playing field means you have to run a smart organization and not just write checks, or feel OK eating millions of dollars here and there because you can "afford to do so". The owners are OWNERS of the business that is MLB. The players are employees. That is a fact. And if the owners want to be successful owners, make money, and see their "business" grow, then they need to get their collective heads and backsides together and on the same page and do what is best for their sport/business. The players SHOULD care about their milb brethren because they ALL came from that system one way or another. But even if they continue to ignore that side of their business, as a union, they should be working harder for yearly salaries and yearly raises for ALL players, and not just the elite. (Don't forget the part about initial demands and penalty cap raises and the such). ALL players making more money is a good thing. Isn't that what a union is supposed to do? And they should be pushing for the aforementioned floor or floating floor as much as the owners should be! Again, same but still different, an NFL team can rebuild and turn things around by running their organization well and making smart decisions. Doing so can have a team wining, even in contention, in a couple of years. Right now, based on history, small market teams have to "blow things up" and go through lengthy rebuilds for their next opportunity. Why? They often lack the same finances to sign players or keep their own. Think the Royals. The opposite side? Think the Cubs who have about as much money as anyone and struggled for years before going "all in" and then falling apart. But the choices they made were organizational, and not because they didn't possess the resources. So the players SHOULD care about how money is distributed, and floors in place, for the sake of their members. If the sport grows, then so does revenue and salaries. Especially if there is a check and balance system in place. IF the original proposals by the BPA were indeed absurd ideas presented as a power play to then back down from, fine. Your bluff was called and seemed obvious. But it doesn't mean they don't have real issues and gripes to fight for. If anything, it should have signaled to ownership that NOW we can sit down and have a real discussion how we proceed. Instead, ownership has virtually laughed in their face with condescending counters or no counters and have asked for a federal mediator to be involved. I've heard the BPA rejected that idea. IMPO, that was a mistake. I think a federal mediator, baseball fan or not, would have come in with a clear head and looked at both sides and said "WTH?" And they probably would have kicked a little ass and just might make the owners look a little silly. NOT a federal employee much less a professional mediator, but I'd gladly take the job for a day and tell both sides: OWNERS: Put in a floor or floating floor but share your profits equitably or nobody is going to buy your product in a few years. If an owner has a problem with that,then his franchise needs a different owner. The comments made by the Rockies owner is beyond "sheesh"! It's in the "WTH" category of commets. Then raise the yearly average salary for your employees based on production commensurate with experience and production and stop low balling. You'll be compensated later when you don't pay for over the hill and retires. And your sport will be better when their is more competition, and fan interest and more money comes floating in. PLAYERS: You need to worry about being a union and paying the 1-6yr players more so they can make more money in their career. STUD p,ayers will ALWAYS make their money. They might make a little less when they turn 30yo, but they will make more earlier in their careers. And if you help keep ownership to standards, then as your sport grows, so does payroll and earnings for all of your members. That's what you want, isn't it? BTW, despite some improvements made in the lives of milb players...a place and life you ALL came from, whether it be 1yr or 6yrs...you might want to push for further salary and benefits for those coming up behind you. CONCLUSION: You ALL have a SILVER EGG that needs some shining! Did I say SILVER EGG? Why yes I did indeed! Why not a "GOLDEN EGG" Why that's simple. Pull you're collective heads out of your butts and just do things fair and right! OK, so I'm long winded at times. Sorry, not Sorry, that's me. I have a high soapbox to stand on when I care about something. Going to step down now. But I believe in what I rambled about.

Just wanted to add to your post. I think we all have to realize it's not only a potential service time matter. (Which I understand but dislike). Many times it's about ramping up a young player, or pitcher in this case. Throwing intermittently early on vs staying on a routine is an issue. When someone, Winder in this situation, comes up you want them confident, on a roll, and ready to STAY up hopefully. Right now it's debatable between Winder and Strotman as to who is first man up considering age and innings. I think Winder is going to be very good and part of the rotation at some point in 2022. And I can't wait to see him. But he's probably not going to pitch 150+ innings this year. And we will see plenty of the young guys throughout the season. But Winder, or anyone, getting a couple of starts to stay on course is much more important, IMO, than a projected service time issue that is years away and may be resolved by then anyway.

I love Kepler and have been a follower and fan since the day he signed and have followed his career closely. But even as a fan, I've just never understood how a guy with his athleticism, a decent eye, and such a smooth stroke with power simply can't find a way to spray the ball better. He's young enough, talented enough, smart enough that there is still room to improve. And maybe he just needs the right coach to help the light bulb crank up to full brightness?? And I don't know that laying down some bunts are the answer. And I don't expect him to magically develop an Arraez kind of ability to control his bat. But couldn't he still get "old fashioned" and choke up a bit at times? Couldn't he learn to just decrease that smooth thing velocity wise and go the other way once in a while? If so, he BA and BABIP suddenly changes. What does he have to prove otherwise? Simply that while he may never be the 2019 version of himself again...and we all hope he does...he's NOT the 2021 version of himself, fully healthy, going forward. His "normal" self is a .240-.250 BA with power, defense, and an OK OB. His numbers are probably better if he can sit once in a while against strong LH pitching. The "normal" Kepler is a good and valuable player. Facing fewer LHSP makes him better. Approaching 30, learning and adapting a little different "spray" approach makes him a great player.