DocBauer

I have enough of an opinion to just be dangerous, LOL. But seriously, different people have different interpretations as to what a bench coach should be. Some feel it should be an older guy who's been around for a while, probably managed for a while, may have more gray in his hair etc. Think a Gardenhire type, for example. You also have the Shelton type, who was generally applauded for his work and experience, but who's work was not as ML manager, but as a coach and long term milb manager who still brought experience. The late Mike Bell was the most recent selection for the Twins because he had experience at the ML and milb level as well as working with the FO in different areas. He was young, experienced in different areas, and seemed progressive in his approach. Also young enough to embrace new age analytics. Tingler is basically a clone of Bell in many ways, except for actually being a ML manager. He has experience in and across different variations of milb, the DSL, the FO, speaks Spanish, and before the Padres season went to dirt in 2021, lead SD to a quality season in 2020. I don't know Tingler from a random name in a phonebook, but I'm smart enough to see a familiarity with the FO, a history of experience that is BROAD, and from THAT, he seems like a good hire. A disappointing 2021 with the Padres, IMO, shouldn't be a disappointing disqualifier as to his ability as a bench coach. Much like a player needing a change of scenery, I won't, at this point, believe he is unqualified or bad as a choice because of a disappointing 2021 with another team vs the rest of his resume. We'll see what happens. But his overall resume seems pretty varied and solid.

I agree with keeping both at this time. Yes, trading either or both provides at least some salary relief. But with each you are also having to eat about half of their salaries to get a marginal or low level flier prospect back. If lucky, you might find someone willing to give up a quality RP option either proven or just at the beginning of their career but having flashed and seemingly ready. Donaldson is the harder move for me. He proved in 2021 he is still a very good and dangerous player. He also brings experience, leadership and a bit of fire to the team, though his "spirit" sometimes makes him a target. And like last year, he needs to spend some time at DH to keep him fresh. I'm OK with that. I think Miranda is going to be very good. But he's still a rookie. I think Arraez is also fine at 3B on an occasional basis. But the clubhouse and lineup just looks better with Donaldson on board, IMO. I just don't think you get enough "value" back by trading him and eating half his salary. Now, if someone really likes him and is willing to trade a low A flier and take on all of most of all his contract so the Twins can make a serious move for a top SS, then the conversation changes. But there still isn't enough room to make a move for one of those FA SS, with pitching being the top priority, unless Sano is also moved for full, or mostly full salary relief. And what are the odds of BOTH of those things happening? I'm OK with being inventive and creative and aggressive. I just don't know if it can happen the way we might fantasize it happening. Balance sheet wise, I think both come back as part of 2022. At least initially.

Thought I would take just a moment to thank everyone for your positive comments as well as sharing your own thoughts, opinions and speculation. Keep it coming! But I also thought I'd expand slightly on a couple of my choices. I tried to place myself not only within a budget framework that I think is plausible and needed, but I also attempted to place myself in the GM chair actually making calls and decisions that felt REAL to me. I am, of course, very interested in Gausman, Rodon, Ray, etc. Stroman is not only familiar with the Twins, but they with him. They even tried to acquire him via trade a short time ago. (2019?) He's my choice because I just see him as the most logical to sign. As I touched on previously, the #2 spot in the rotation is my biggest conundrum. I've said for a while now that I think there's a real 50/50 chance, if not more, that the Twins get that #2 via trade. I've gone the FA route here with Gray, and obviously listed others that I'm interested in here including names that the rest of you have mentioned. I just really like his upside with a change of scenery and working with Johnson. His situation with Colorado is hard to predict, so I'm tenuous with him as my first choice. My reason for going to the FA route is A] The Twins have the money to go this route and NOT have to move anyone, and B] Perhaps I'm just too conservative, but I don't like the idea of depleting our current OF or catcher spots to make such a trade. While pitching is king, important, and needed, I don't like opening another hole/need if I don't have to. It's been my long standing hope/position that I'd like to keep the bulk of the roster intact and trade from within the system similar to the Odorizzi and Maeda deals. I'm hoping the Twins can pull a rabbit out of the hat a 3rd time. I believe I've already touched on my SS choice previously...3 names I'm seriously considering, all mentioned before...but Galvis, IMO, might be the "safest" choice to bank on. And while LF is a spot that needs more production, if we can keep CF and RF intact, I like the multiple options available to put put there until someone jumps up and grabs the spot. Again, Pillar doesn't exactly bring in a high contact, high OB% bat that would be great to have, but he brings experience, versatility, some power and speed, and helps against LH pitching which has been a recent bane. Thanks for the comments and opinions and keep them coming!

Buxton and his reps understand his situation. The $16M base, IMO, is very fair. Byron and his reps are not unintelligent or un-informed. They understand his situation as well as potential. They ALSO have to weigh the future, as do the Twins. There is no right or wrong. There remains a balance. Despite everything Buck has brought to the Twins, there remains a value. We can can spend hours about WAR and the such, but when you are NOT contributing, there is also a lost value. So yes, $16M plus incentives that could easily get you to $25M with a fairly easy shot at $28-30M makes sense to me. And it SHOULD make sense to Buxton. If not, he's taking a gamble that could play very poorly. Gray is a mystery as he MIGHT get a QO. But we're also unsure what that means right now with the CBA in question. Is he looking at the 1yr CBA at $18M? Or is he looking at a longer deal with a better guaranteed result for 3yrs plus? He's still my choice as a #2 because $14M X 3 is $42M and I'd like that a lot better if I was him. Stoman, from what I have found, made $12M in 2021. Now, I haven't dug deep enough to see what his best $ might have been. But a jump to $18-20M is where I think he should be. I go to $22M to outbid. I like the guy a lot. But he's still not a 200 IP, 200K. Sub .300 ERA 20 game winner. But he is a good, very good #1 front man capable of leading a contending team. I think the $22M is very fair. Lastly, I think Pineda, despite his success as a Twin, is $8M re-sign. Hes been quality. I think he's an easy sign for multiple reasons. But he's just old enough, missed enough time, that $8M is right. The biggest problem is NOT manning up enough to sign a TOP guy for $22m. And it's not about signing Pineda as your #3 for around $8M. It's about finding a quality #2 for $12-14m-ish that is the problem. Do you sign someone or trade for someone to fill that role?

MOSTLY agree with previous posts that I have "liked" with some small descepancies. So I'm going to roll with some bullet point opinions here: 1] 1B will be manned by a combination of Kirilloff and Sano. Call me crazy, but from the eye test, Sano isn't as bad as his metrics show. He catches everything close to him and scoops very well. He's fine with pop-ups as long as he doesn't run in to his teammates. His biggest issue, to me, is still forgetting he's not a 3B any longer and being out of position at times. Things like that can be learned. AK looks so good there, it's probably his position of the future. 2] I've seen enough, briefly, that I think we need to just stop with the idea that Kirilloff CAN'T play the OF. He's at least OK out there. We've even seen a couple really good plays from him. He's just more natural and smooth at 1B, which is not a bad thing, and he has a great future there, IMO. 3] If you noticed, when AK and Larnach were both in the lineup, AK was in LF and Larnach was in RF. Why? Larnach has the better arm. Eventually, IMO, Kepler MIGHT be gone in a year or two, depending on his production/development, and Larnach will then slide to RF. But Kirilloff is NOT just a 1B. He can easily play some LF for now. 4] And speaking of Kepler, I am opposed to him being dealt in any way unless he's part of acquiring someone special. Hes an outstanding RF with power and a much better hitter than he showed in 2021. Even if he never duplicates 2019, again, he's much better than last season. And healthy, no more hamstring injuries that surely held him back, he's a solid backup option in CF as well. LF is an issue. I don't want to exasbhrate problems in the OF by adding RF to the mix. 5] There is a quasi-illusion to the Twins OF depth. They HAVE talent and prospects. AND possibilities. But we are talking again about AK, Larnach, Rooker, and Celestino for the NOW, vs some quality and very interesting prospects in AA and below. Where this all meets is undetermined at this point. Rooker may yet surprise, with us or someone else. Larnach is going to be quality, IMO, but not sure it's going to be out of the gate for 2022. Celestino was pushed WAY TOO EARLY, but responded well at AAA when playing where he should have been. Martin may be destined for the OF with the ability to play the infield. But draft choice to AA and then MLB is pretty tough. But this leads me to my next bullet point... 6] The 2022 Twins have enough pitching issues to worry about and fill without worrying about LF. Trades may happen, but this spot should not only be an open competition, but also be part of the 1B and DH options. Arraez should still some time in LF. I don't believe his knees are an issue running around on grass fields 75% of the time. And he's no worse than some LF, past and present, Twins or other teams. Rooker could find his stroke. And defensively, what I said about Arraez. AK can fit in at LF and so can Miranda, who we just HAVE to find room for! And Larnach could pretty much blow the whole thing up and take the primary job if and when he's ready. In MY blueprint for 2022, I found room for Pillar on a cheap 1yr deal that could fill the 3rd spot initially as well as the 4th spot and provide depth and options as Larnach and Celestino adjust and get ready to grab hold of a job. Health and development, I have some high hopes for LF, as well as 1B, related. Just don't give away what you already have.

I'm interested in Gray. Despite a solid career, his best numbers/results were with Oakland early in his career. But I'm very interested in this idea. My issue is I think...assuming the Twins find a #1 somehow, and there are multiple possibilities and options available...does Gray really slot in as a viable #2? He could, especially only 31yrs old and experienced. And maybe the Twins see a few changes that could unlock a little bit more. But I just see him as a quality #3 in the rotation. I just feel someone like Pineda as a re-sign for the #3 spot, and probably for a couple $M less, just makes more sense. Just not sure I buy in to Larnach and Canterino as a fair trade option. Wallner and Gross or Gipson-Long might make more sense from the Twins perspective. Maybe with a sweetener thrown in. I just don't know that Gray is worth 2 top 15 prospects for a re-building team trying to lower payroll for a #3 SP.

Good chance he rebounds and has a quality 2022 with someone else. But it was throw right move with how every thing worked out. I've stated before, and will again, that sometimes the pieces of a team puzzle just don't fit together right for whatever reason. It's best for a fresh start for both parties. There's at least 3 guys out there I'd rather have for about $5-6M to replace him. Off/on topic, I'm not as sour on Simmons as some. I've got a couple guys I like better right now...again the puzzle pieces analogy...but if he wasn't an issue in the clubhouse and the Twins really believed he would rebound to the hitter he was the previous 4-5yrs prior, I'd be OK with him back.

Came up through the Dogers system primarily, as a SP, with a little time with Oakland. Solid numbers as a SP in regard to K/9, WHIP, as well as hits vs IP. Looks like he missed a little time here and there in milb. Decent FB and has a slider and a change that is hopefully good enough to keep LH hitters honest. I'm encouraged by his 2021 AAA numbers after missing 2yrs and his September finish which was outstanding. Smart flier pick up. And remember, this is what happens this time of year. Moves are just beginning to take place. Lots of little moves like this take place for every team, not just the Twins. And half of the signings of this type get waived again with the hope of sliding through. And sometimes you get a steal. Nobody needs to feel anxious about an early November flier pick up.

Assuming for a moment no QO to either, and/or no draft pick compensation, (which I think the Twins are OK on using the current CBA due to the location of their 1st rounder), I'd probably go with Rodon. If for no other reason than the fact he's already had his TJ and came back to the mound with guns blazing. As of this moment, we just don't know enough about Syndergard's full recovery. I'm 100% all in, healthy, for a 1yr at $18-20M. But I'm nervous for anything more and think there are good arms, solid arms, available with better health records. And I'm not sure I want both Buxton AND my potential top of the rotation SP to be big injury risks.

In regard to Buxton, you have to provide a guaranteed yearly that feels "fair", for lack of a better term, to provide a base. And I think $16M per shoukd be agreeable to both sides. He's a $30M per year player if healthy for 140 games a season. Of course, he hasn't been that guy. But that's why the incentives take him that high. And yes, IMO, he wants to stay and would do the deal I mentioned. Possibly with a tweak or two. As to Galvis, I'm not saying he's exciting. But I need someone for the short term, whether that be 1yr or 2, that I can depend on and not embarrass himself at the plate, and also keep my budget in place of a $10M bump. If I KNEW Simmons would hit in 2022 like he did the previous 4-5yrs he might be my choice. If I KNEW Iglesias was going to be great with the glove again in 2022 he might just be my first choice. But while I didn't watch him this past season, everything I've read and heard as he just didn't look like himself at all. Galvis becomes the safest choice for me, good glove, OK bat, decent power for a SS. I could be b talked in to any of the 3 for the same $3M deal.

I know Nick talked about a trade for Manaea from the A's involving Kepler. Makes some sense, but I don't see the FO trading anyone for a 1yr player based on history. And we've rehashed over and again about trading our catching depth to Miami for one of their pitchers. That just doesn't make sense to me unless the Twins truly believe they would be OK with Garver or Jeffers being gone and everyone else on hand is ready to take the lead as a starter or backup. But wouldnt we need to bring someone else in to balance and add to the roster? Other than another Oddorizi or Maeda trade out of the rabbit's hat, I just don't see a way to add to the rotation without at least ONE major FA signing.

So I attempted a blog, had to pause, came back the next day to finish and submit. Nowhere to be found. So I'm going to do an abridged and slightly edited version. If the original suddenly shows up, then I beg forgiveness, lol. My 2022 plan is based on fixing the starting staff, PERIOD, while addressing a few important but secondary concerns. I do believe the FO/ownership wants to re-tool and be competitive. I believe that lost revenue is just that, as stated by ownership. I also believe that with butts back in the seats, ownership trusts and believes in their FO. And the FO has stated they expect payroll to be about where it has been the past few seasons. This means anywhere from $130-150M. I am playing with a 10% increase from 2021 in order to challenge, compete, etc. With a base of roughly $80M, give or take a few thousand due to arbitration numbers projected but not solidified, that gives me a $143M payroll to play with. (Manageable, but below the roughly $150M mean of the past few ML seasons). 1] The fjrst thing i do as GM is address Buxton. Hes signed for $16M per at 5-7yrs with incentives based on games or PA. But something like 100G, 120G, 140G, which pushes him to about $25M or so with additional incentives for Gold Glove, All Star, MAP, that could bring him something around $30M. Fair for both sides and no FO worth a damn really cares about paying incentives for a STUD player who can produce enough to earn those incentives. Why? Because of publicity, merchandising, and a team that is making money. 2] With about $55M to play with after Buxton's guaranteed salary, I address someone to lead my rotation. There are guys that just don't make sense for a variety of reasons. But at the end of the day, the guy that makes the most sense is Stroman. I think he's worth $20M but I'm going in for $22M to get it done for 4yrs if I can, but willing to go 5yrs if I have to. Hes quality and proven. 3] I really want Gray for 3-4yrs at about $14M per, which I think is fair. The problem there is the Rockies may offer a QO. He wants more than a 1yr deal. But with the CBA in limbo at the moment, is there even going to be a QO available? I believe the Twins 2022 1st round pick is exempt from a QO loss, but there is a lot of uncertain issues here. He is my 1st choice, and my target. But I may have to, regrettably switch to someone like Wood or Bundy or Matz. Im not depressed by that, but Gray is my choice for $14M per for 3yrs. 4] Pineda is the easy choice for $8M for my 3rd SP unless someone falls in my lap. Hes still solid and proven even if I'm not sure hes going to give me 140-160IP. 5] Now I need a SS. Sorry, but the staff is the issue and not the offense. Without breaking down the entire roster, there's no room to sign one of the top SS FA options. The offense just needs a little better health, a couple rebounds, and the influx of top talent ready and almost ready. My choice is Galvis at $3M unless my scouts convince me Iglesias is still a quality defensive player despite a reported big slip in 2021. Simmons might be better defensively than anyone and could be a rebound candidate considering past production. But recent history has me signing Galvis. Any way you slice it, my scouts have to tell me which guy to sign for $3M. Im going with Galvis as of now. 6] I need a quality RH RP for the back end of the pen. Im signing Graveman or Knebel for $5-6M. 7] I have a couple $M to play with at this point. Im going to sign a guy that's been mentioned often here on TD. Im going to "rescue" Kevin Pillar from the Mets and N.Y. for my final $3M-ish to be a quasi OF starter/4th OF. He is NOT the high BA and OB guy we might need, but he offers a combination of experience, power, speed, defense and versatility. He may not be the player he once was, but he provides a bit of everything until Larnach and Celestino are ready. Considering the fact my FO trusts me, I'm going to ask them my indulgence and offer Kirby Yates a $1M deal with some incentives because we could hit it big with little risk. In my plan, yes, we are banking on Sano and Kepler being just their normal selves hitting lower in the order and being dangerous if either has a great year, so much the better. But I keep the OF defense intact, as well as keeping a potentially fine/excellent catching tandem in place. The rotation is suddenly solid again with re-enforcements on the way. The pen should be solid with what is on hand and one big addition, in addition to milb depth and a couple flier additions, I would add that I'm thinking I protect Minaya due to past success as well as his half season in 2021, if there's room. I really like this team. Agree or object as you will.

As someone who follows the Twins milb system very close, I'm embarrassed to admit I hadn't realized how good of a season Morales had as the catcher selection. I'm going to assume Isola was chosen at 1B not only because he qualified there, but because you couldn't select 2 catchers? Maggi deserves the choice at SS, only mildly surprised Palacios wasn't the final choice. I'm very excited about both Steer and Julien. Both could be outstanding bench players within the next couple of years with bats and defensive versatility. I keep wondering about defense, especially in regard to Steer. I keep wondering just how well he can play SS. I've seen guys grow in to the position and become solid, if not very good there. Could he, possibly, be a darkhorse candidate down the line? Would really like to Cabbage and Contreras in the organization. Just don't know if there is room on the 4p man for either, much less both.

Tom, I guess my question to you, which you sort of hinted at, are you looking at Cobb as a secondary acquisition? Because if he's the primary addition then I have to say no. I don't trust the injury history, or feel there's enough upside to make a difference. I'd prefer Cobb as a #3 SP option but could be convinced he'd be a solid #2 if the health question/gamble turned out. While his career W/L is uninspiring, as is his career K/9, most of his overall numbers are solid across the board. He could be that experienced, veteran guy that just suddenly stays healthy and starts to perform the way he always "could have" before, even at 34yo. It happens. We see a guy like that almost every year. Forgetting what I believe will be an approximate $140M payroll for the team to re-tool and compete and thus have the money for a quality FA signing to lead the staff, my biggest problem trying to figure out 2022 is the #2 spot. Is that filled via FA or trade? My gut tells me Pineda is the #3, and it's an easy play, as you alluded to. I can be talked in to Cobb. You make a compelling arguement. And I'd LOVE Gray, but recent rumors say Colorado may offer a QO, assuming they can with the CBA up in the air. If that happens, the Twins are out unless their pick next year is protected. (Want to say it is, but am not sure). I think Wood and Matz might be safer, and I do like a bounceback from Bundy and Duffy. But again, you've given me a lot to think about and I could be talked in to Cobb. Nice OP!

While I share everyone's frustration with the lack of post season success, SURPRISING lack of success some years, I do agree with Brock's sentiment. I've had more than a few years over the past 2 decades really enjoying tuning in to a game on TV or radio when my beloved Twins were competitive and winning and actually had a shot. Because in any sport, all you can try to do is win as much as you can and get that post season SHOT. That's important to me as a fan. And I'd take that every year vs mediocrity, or just awful with no chance.

I say this without anything negative intending to be implied to the man, but as long as Simmons isn't a distraction or problem in the clubhouse, I'm OK if he's back for a 1yr for about $3M. That being said, he's not my first choice. Sometimes the puzzle pieces that make up a team just don't all fit together the right way. I sort of had that feeling, for whatever reason, with Simmons. I could be completely wrong. Assuming most of the resources for 2022 are spent on pitching, we need a SS and I'm looking at Galvis and Iglesias as my first two choices. (Providing Iglesias's defensive issue were a blip). But in defense of Simmons, no pun intended, his career numbers are .265/ .313/ .683. And that is including his horrible 2021 at the plate. 5 times in 10 years he's had an OPS of .690 or higher. For a high quality defense first SS that is more than acceptable. Galvis, for example, has a lower career BA and OB% but an almost identical career OPS due to quite a bit more power. Iglesias beats them all with his career numbers. (Less HR power than Galvis). Galvis is a fine defensive SS and Iglesias has been one as well before what would hopefully prove to just be a down year. And after such a horrendously poor year at the plate by Simmons, which I fully appreciate, I don't think you can easily dismiss him as a bounceback candidate. Again, for the sake of change for a piece of the puzzle, he's not my first choice. But I'm not grabbing and torch or pitchfork if he's back.

First of all, we just need to STOP talking about an ACE pitcher. When you have one, it's AWESOME. But it guarantees nothing. Witness the Yankees and the Dogers right now. And I would LOVE the Twins to have an ACE to front their rotation. But again, look at the teams in the WS right now. Stop treating the Twins as a lousy franchise. There is a lot of talent in place and and more than a few prospects just ready to contribute or explode. The Twins had a lousy 2021. But Boston and SF and Atlanta were supposed to do nothing or next to nothing. As built right now, the Twins have 2 consecutive ALC flags before 2021. They have a nucleus of a good offensive team in place. They have some key components in the pen initially and a FO that is respected amongst agents. With money to spend, why wouldn't Stoman, Gray, Gausman, Rodon, not look at the Twins as an option? The Twins can easily place any of these 4 in their payroll for 4 years to front their rotation as a 1 or 2 without blowing up payroll. And Pineda can easily slide in to the #3 slot initially. The problem is, who slots in to the #2 slot? The Twins probably need to spend $5-6M for ONE ARM for the BP. Unless the FO pulls another rabbit out of the hat, they are going to have to make a trade for a #2 SP. OR, they will push the 2022 payroll to $145+ and let it fly and take a flier and run with it.

Can't tell you how smart and good of a post this is! As a fan, I truly try to look at both sides in the financial equation. I hold nothing against billionaire owners running a business nor do I begrudge players trying to earn as much money as they can. The best way to satisfy both sides and for the good of the game is for both sides to compromise. 1] Whether it's a luxury tax or some sort of hard or semi-hard cap, something of that nature SHOULD be in place for competitive balance. Greater competitive balance also brings in greater fan interest and puts the onus on a FO being smart and not just rich. Witness the monster that is the NFL, and teams able to be smart and contend/re-tool quickly. But on the flip side, like the NFL, there should be a payroll floor that prevents teams from just tanking, holding down salaries, trying to pocket shared revenue, etc. 2] Arbitration pretty much stinks in MLB. I will say the Twins have been pretty fair in this area, and the current FO has had agents speak very positively how the Twins handle it. And, unfortunately, I'm not sure it's going away at this time. What makes so much more sense is what you alluded to is just better guaranteed money early in the careers for young players. No hearings. No trying to diminish a players value to save money, just a fair yearly uptick in wages based on experience. Along with this, and a fair floor and ceiling, the "playing field" for players, and teams, becomes an equitable platform for all involved. The owners get more cost control to build, re-build, maintain their team. Players get more money earlier in their careers and with an OBVIOUS want to change by the union, the service time issue changes so players can become FA sooner. And this also works for the owners as cost control means more upfront money for young players, earlier FA, but also controls costs for those FA due to some sort of cap to avoid the crazy 7-10 year deals they are already working to avoid for older players. Players earn MORE money earlier in their careers, but a bit LESS late in their careers, but unlimited almost potential during their key years. Win-win for both sides! Revenue sharing between ownership needs to increase, and that's a hard sell for some teams I admit. But they might give in, at least a little, knowing A] It's good for the growth of the game, and growth is waning, and B] The money is going to smaller market teams who now have a FLOOR they have to meet and not just trying to pocket extra profits. Other than the owners squabbling about shared profits, my biggest issue resides with the players union. I may be wrong, it could be bad perception, but I have this feeling they are run and controlled mostly by veteran reps/players who are so focused on BIG paydays for older, veteran players that they don't see the advantage of ALL the players earning more money year by year in their career with earlier FA paydays. Other smaller issues: 3] The universal DH is a done deal. Both sides want it. It's needed. Done deal. 4] I believe roster size will be brought up. The whole 2020/21 covid issue still remains to at least some degree. The 26 man roster is smart. The 28 man roster in 2020 made a ton of sense and worked really well. The IL increased in length and I'm not sure if it works at all. The idea of a taxi squad may remain for another year. But I can EASILY see a 27 or 28 man roster going forward. Honestly, it makes sense for both sides. The union gets another 30-60 players on rosters, and ownership gets another 30-60 players on rosters for the best team they can put together with a couple minimum contracts. 5] There is so much "trash" to sort through in regard to the financial BIG PICTURE, that I believe any pitch clock, robo umpire, stepping off the rubber, larger bases, or anything else will be "deffered" after more study. And honestly, that may be fair.

Thank you for a great write up and wonderful review. Well done! What I find so interesting about this draft, which I haven't really heard anyone else talk about, is the Twins first 4 picks all came from northern climate schools. There has long been a prejudice against players from northern climate as they don't have year round opportunities to play, and those schools don't always get the same attention in recruiting from southern prospects. (Petty is a HS kid of course and wasn't a recruit). But I think recent history has begun to change that perspective. Talent is talent and if someone needs an extra half season or so to develop, so what if he's ultimately as good or better. Very happy to see 3 LH pitchers selected. I know you don't draft for need, but some solid LH arms ARE a need in the system, really excited about Hajjar and his frame. Guarantee his velocity goes up, and with a great change, I see a ton of potential. Ditto for Macleod, though with a curve and needing a change. Not sure about physical growth and velocity with Povich, but the control certainly seems to be there. He seems to have a nice assortment of pitches it's just a question how well his repertoire plays with at least a little better velocity. Is he another Barnes? Or is there more there? The bat and power of Encarnacion-strand plays. From all reports, the arm is excellent. What I care about is does he have decent feet? Does he have hands of stone, or are they pliable? His range may be limited. But with decdnt feet and a good arm I'd keep him at 3B as long as possible. Drafting 2 catchers in the top 10 with potential is always a good idea to me.

Going to agree with everything jmlease1 stated with a small exception, that being Laweryson's hits allowed in 2021. While you always prefer your pitcher to have fewer hits than IP, one hit per has always been considered about right or at least acceptable, yes? Laweryson did that almost exactly; 59 in 58.2, 19 walks are solid and his 73 SO are excellent. Not sure how his ERA is as high as it was 4.91, but have to assume a few key hits and the 6HR hurt him. He seems very similar to Gipson-Long, Gross and others who were mid-round selections with the look, stuff, potential, etc, that they like and identify. This is a great opportunity for him and could be a springboard for 2022. Excited to see how he continues.

To me this is fairly easy to answer assuming the FO doesn't start moving several pieces of the established roster. CF is Buxton and shoukd remain Buxton for the next 5-7yrs with an extension that works for both sides. PERIOD! RF should be Kepler. I think he has more trade value than a lot of people give him credit for. He's outstanding defensively there and more than solid in CF as long as his hamstrings are OK going forward. And his offense is obviously proven in the past to be much better thzn what we saw in 2021. And right now, the Twins don't have a direct replacement for him that is anything close to being PROVEN. I don't think the Twins, or any of us, want questionable defense in BOTH corners for 2022. LF will be a mix in 2022 unless someone runs with the spot, and I'm OK with that. Again, someone might be gone via trade, but right now you have Larnach waiting to take the next step forward. AK can play there effectively when not at 1B. Arraez can get a few games there to keep his bat in the lineup without embarrassing anyone, (my opinion). Rooker will get a shot if the bat comes around, and it always has previously at every level he's played at before. Celestino has a njce future as at least a versatile and quality 4th OF, and a ceiling as a quality starter in LF or CF but he needs time and experience. My HOPE is Larnach, not traded, will take over LF at some point if not immediately. He's also got the arm for RF...which also has less ground to cover...and can give Kepler days off and MIGHT succeed him in a year or so. You continue to mix in Arraez here and there to keep his bat in the lineup. And while I just can't give you a name right now...too much to sort through at this point...my HOPE is when the dust settles and the smoke clears, and SS and the front of the rotation has been addressed, and ONE GOOD ARM has been added to the BP, the FO will drop a couple $M for a RH Cave-like 4th OF. Martin is PROBABLY destined for a starting job in the OF, while still being able to fill in across most of the infield. A TREMDOUS prospect with a world of ability and potential, but he's gone from college to a missed year and straight to AA. I think he's going to need AT LEAST a half season if not a full one to be ready for MLB.

As of right now I agree the Twins don't need a super-utility player such as Taylor. Stating the obvious, we have to fill SS first as well as re-sign Buxton. (Im ONLY focusing on the player side of things right now). We also have no real idea as to whether Donaldson will be shipped, or if there's interest in him, or what it might cost the Twins to move him, because it's going to cost SOMETHING to do so. I DO think the odds are pretty good the Twins WILL make a pitching addition via trade. But despite speculation on any of our parts, we don't know if that will be prospects only, or include any ML roster mainstays, much less which one(s). For example, it's easy to say we should move Kepler, or Arraez, or Garver/Jeffers to get a deal done. But we really have no clue what the FO is thinking at this time. It's only my opinion, but while I believe they are open to trades, I don't believe they are looking to move any sort of large number from said roster as it stands today. Arraez fills a valuable role at 3 spots as well as being able to DH and provide a real leadoff option. Gordon provides speed off the bench, a chance to hit a little bit, and fill in "adequately" at multiple positions for a day or so here and there. And at some point, we have to find room for Miranda as well, who can also play a few different spots even though I think his role as future full time 3B would seem clear. Now, I think Taylor COULD be a perfect signing as a solid but not great, SS for 2022 with the idea he can move around in the future if the Twins believe in Lewis. He fills a daily role for now with solid offense, comes cheaper than the other TOP SS on the market, frees $ to continue to address pitching due to his lesser salary, and then slides in to a useful multi-position role come 2023. But to sign him, or anyone else, at this point for a utility spot just doesn't work and doesn't fit with current team needs. IF the Twins suddenly start to move 2 or 3 guys off the ML roster, then ask me this question again in a couple of months.

Entertaining and fun!! That eephus pitch is hilarious but surprisingly effective. He actually does have very good control of his "stuff". In semi-seriousness, if he is on the roster as the 26th man again, it might be worth him working 15-20 IP...MAX...in a few blowouts just to save the pen a little. Of course, my preference for blowouts is the Twins doing that to other teams.

Just want to toss in that I agree the Twins have some quality pieces in play already, provided Rogers is back, a long with Duffey, Thielbar and the budding Alcala. For now, I'm assuming Gant is back as a versatile and valuable swing man but I think the projected $3.7 might be a little high. Previous, solid production and what he did last year I want to keep Minaya but I think the roster crunch won't allow it. I also agree AAA has about 4 arms in Moran, Cano, Hamilton and Mason that will contribute in 2022, cheap, loaded with potential and all possessing options. I wouldnt be the least bit shocked if Jax...solid FB and really nice slider...didn't surprise. I want to protect Stashak and look for him to be healthy in 2022. I don't want to see another Anderson or Littel slip away, I hope there is room to keep him. All of that said, all of the names and possibilities presented, I'm OK if the Twins make a SINGLE big move in the pen. Graveman, Knebel and the also mentioned Ryan Tapers all interest me, not necessarily in that order. I jump at $5-6M and MIGHT consider a little more if it gets the deal done. I'm INTERESTED in Bradley, but not as high on him as I was previously after the last year or so. IMO, the pen doesn't need a bunch of additions or huge flier numbers, What it needs is ONE MORE high quality, proven arm with some velocity/nasty stuff and K ability to solidify itself. The absolute #1 priority is adding 2 starters beyond Pineda and the prospects....kinda sounds like a band name lol...because I think Pineda is a given re-sign for no more than $8-10M. Next priority is a quality SS whether they go BIG or just SOLID there. And that's a different arguement for a different time and thread. Maybe I'm silly or overly optimistic, but again, IMO, the pen is going to be just fine to really good if we just get that ONE GUY to add to and deepen the back end of the pen as it sits right now.

Levi, this is extremely well thought out and practical! Bless you and your hard work to put this together and being more in touch with some prosoects and lesser known players that I'm just not in touch with, Jose Butto from the Mets as an example. And I agree with Vanimal tbat what you've presented may be better than an "also ran" roster. But I'd like to offer a critique, but not a criticism. Just a few thoughts and questions. 1] I think you are just about spot-on with Buxton. 2] Maybe it's just me, but I think Garver, BIG bat, decent defense, experienced, great team control, might be worth more than Sanchez. And then I read where Sanchez is coming off surgery. So with my belief in Garver, even without surgery for Sanchez, I'm thinking a sweetener for someone better and more proven. And while I don't want to move him as I think he bas a great future, if I'm Miami, and building, might I be more interested in Jeffers? Or Jeffers and a sweetener for one of my more proven arms? I'm just thinking being more aggressive for Alcacantara or Lopez, etc, for Garver/Jeffers and a sweetener. Miami may be looking more for youth and potential. 3] Donaldson to the Mets makes so much sense it's scary. I think you nailed it. I really hate to lose him for 2022, and what he could add to the lineup, but your proposal makes a lot of sense for both teams. Especially if a catcher and other to Miami works out. 4] Doesn't Seager re-sign with the Dogers? Speculation. Is Story the best 2nd choice? I worry about the Colorado factor. What about Baez? I know there is some negatives around him, but nothing really bad. He might come a little cheaper. 5] Cool with Gray. But would Stoman for a few $M be out of reach? It still wouldn't blow your final numbers out of the water and makes sense to me. 6] LF is kind of a potential wasteland with Rooker and others and I get that! You're looking forward. Larnach could settle that spot, and Rooker could adapt and surprise. Hell, could be be any worse than Young or Willingham if he hits? But work with me here brother, you listed MARTEN as an option by mid-season. I'm ASSUMING you are speaking about Martin and not FA Marte, right? Just want to be clear. 7] Love your pen, but head and heart says protect Minaya if you can afford to 40 man wise. Again, just a few questions and a critique. Great job!