DocBauer

Almost exactly what I was thinking earlier. Additional thought is Larnach in RF and Keplwr gone with Martin flying solo in LF. Of course, we have Celestino for a 4th OF as well. Wallner and/or Cabbage as an OF/DH on the bench? As to backup SS, think Steer or Julien perhaps?

The Twins have the $ to make a serious 3-4yr deal for one of the better FA pitchers without breaking their payroll structure. Further, when said FA is entering his 3rd or 4th year, Donaldson's contract is off the books. They went after Darvish pretty aggressively and targeted Wheeler initially before the door was slammed in their face early, before they even got a chance to compete. (Not just them, other teams as well). So I think they are going to take a serious look see. Frankly, I don't know why a FA WOULDN'T look at the Twins. The FO has received high marks from the press and agents for their character and how they run things. Target Field is one of the best parks in all MLB. There is offense for support, and some more on the way. And let's not forget back to back winning/playoff teams in 2019-20. They lack pitching? Not so much if one or two of these guys signs on the dotted line.

You need offense and pitching. But how do you get better by trading one of your very best players? You don't unless you are rebuilding. And the Twins don't need to rebuild, they need to re-tool, and even management has been clear on this. The Twins can add pitching via FA. They can also trade from within their system, possibly with the addition of a different existing player not named Polanco, to acquire a pitcher. Maeda will be back in 2023. And there are a number of high potential arms a half to full season away from adding to the staff and the pen. Young, talented and controllable arms. You absolutely don't trade Polanco!

I thought I had heard that his second wrist injury was different than the first one. I hope that is correct. I don't believe his being sent down to begin the season was a mistake or nefarious in any way. He just had a bad ST and they wanted him to get his legs under him and get going. I think he did that and the results were excellent when he got his shot. I believe he's going to be a big producer in the heart of the lineup for years to come. Just another in a long list of bummer for 2021 he wasn't able to be healthy and finish out the season.

I'm probably too smart or progressive as a highly intelligent semi-middle class individual to fully appreciate this bit of news as I've argued for a couple of years now that if I were an owner I'd be working hard to make MY organization a model one. The Ft Myers complex is state of the art. But why would I stop there? Unless there were restrictions placed on me, I'd be offering as much salary as I could for milb players, as many benefits as I could for them, as they are the lifeblood of my franchise. Why not make players and agents eager to work with me? Why not give the players in my milb pipeline all the advantages I could to contribute to the future success of my ML team? I would have been doing this years ago. 4 kids in a 1 room or 2 room apartment? Kids sleeping in their cars and dreaming of being on the road so they could sleep in a bed vs an air mattress? I think the "select" has to be attributed to 40 man roster players, as well as those who may already have access to dormitories, etc. But we will see. I don't think the arguement of "short term leases" is really that big of a deal. There ARE complexes who do short term leases. And you're going to tell me that in milb cities they don't already do this? Regardless, it's time the franchises stepped forward to do something like this. Not only should have been done before, but wish the Twins had been at the forefront. Goodness knows the MLBPA doesn't give a crap about milb, even though they all spent time there.

A great OP Nick! Just tremendous! And dead on! 1] IMO, Lewis is, right now, still a SS. And he should be. The talent and ability is there to be AT LEAST a decent SS with a potentially big bat and offensive versatility. Despite lost time you can't ignore talent and potential. He just needs to PLAY! You HAVE to play 2 games at this position as the FO. You have to examine what you intend to do in 2022 as a team while also looking at the future. It's a delicate and difficult balance. The Twins have pitching as their #1 need. Period. But despite a massive amount of $ to spend this offseason there is still a finite number to keep the Twins where they have been, which is $140M to a max of $150M, which is the mean the past few years, roughly. (And the FO has basically stated they expect to spend around what they've spent the last 3yrs). Barring a trade for someone, Taylor, Iglesias, and Galvis are all potentially fine short term SS options for now. They may not be as good defensively as Simmons, but they all could not only be better offensively, but maybe just be a better "fit" for the team. That's not a personal knock on Simmons, but roster construction is more than just numbers. 2] Building a rotation is probably the biggest key to 2022. We can, and will discuss the staff in length going forward. But IF the FO is serious about contending...and they should be considering the overall talent on hand...someone needs to lead the rotation, The good news is the FA depth this year is deep and interesting. I am going to continue to bang the drum that Stoman makes the most sense. He's been tied to the Twins for a few years now. He's, more or less, a Berrios clone. (I said more or less). I believe the $12M he earned in 2021 is his highest earning season. I think he's about as safe a signing as you could make at $18-20M per, maybe even with an out clause. Ray and Gray have as much ability, and might prove to be even better signings. I'm not sure I trust Rodon, but he is intriguing, I think Gausman wants to stay where he is. The Twins need someone 29-31yo who has the ability to front the rotation on a 3-5yr deal without making anyone nervous about blowing up. Hence the guys I've mentioned. Pineda, to me, as I've stated before is almost a done deal as the #3 guy, unless his $8M could be spent on someone they actually like better. The key is the #2 spot. That spot could EASILY be a 1yr flier make good deal to sort of go "all in" for 2022. Or, a sort of "WTH", let's take a shot, in other words. But I think the #2 spot is 50/50 a trade with a couple years left, think Odorizzi and Maeda, or a 1yr prove it like Bundy for example. There IS a pipeline coming! It's tantalizing close! And I really don't want to trade from it because I see a couple quality MLB SP and quality RP options, but SOMEONE has to front the rotation for the next year or two. 3] Rogers is an absolute keep and important part of 2022, and maybe beyond. And his cost is marginal, But only he and the Twins know how he's looking right now. Without him, it changes a lot of their off-season approach. 4] The pen arms on hand, even with an expected healthy Rogers, is a HUGE issue question. Duffey slipped then made changes, and was great again. He's is. So are Thielbar and Alcala. I would not be shocked or ticked off if Colome was brought back considering his career and his 2021 season from June on. But like Simmons at SS, sometimes the mix just doesn't work. I don't know who at this time to replace him, but I think you need to just move on and spend the $ on someone else. I'm OK with protecting Minaya, who performed well and has a decent history. Coulombe I'm not so sure about as be did well, and has an OK history, but what about Smeltzer,Thorpe and Moran? Moran will be protected. The rest are questionable. I'm seeing a couple milb signjngs and we'll see what happens. I'd probably protect Minaya and let everyone go and see who I can re-sign. I think FA, milb deals, and a couple young arms like Jax converting, could fill the front end of the pen. The guy that perplexes me is Gant. He is an experienced, veteran arm with OK results across the board as a solid RP and so-so SP. In no way is he worth a projected $3.7M in arbitration. He could be very valuable as a middle relief guy who can slide in to the rotation in an emergency, but NOT for that price. I'd offer $2.5-2.7 and let him go if he balks. Stashak is the guy that just kills me. He's looked so good in SSS that I don't want to lose him. But the 40 man is going to be so scrunched that I'm not sure you can protect him. Rogers healthy, bring in ONE ARM for around $5-6M and I'm happy trusting what we have, prospects, and milb signings. 5] The DH? Let's just address the elephant in the room. It would be AWESOME to have Cruz back as our DH and a leader, etc, etc. If not him, it sure would be nice to have a BIG bat you could write in pen daily to torment the opposition. But on a practical note, how many teams have that? And we all pretty much assume the NL will have the DH in 2022. Not only will we have to fight 29 other teams, potentially, for his services, but his age just can't be discounted. Furthermore, unless the Twins trade off at least one if not two players from what we expect to be their "regular" roster, where is there room for a full time DH? Right now, today, no trades made, the roster needs room for Sano, Donaldson, Garver, Arraez, AK and even Larnach...who may or may not break camp with the Twins...and Miranda to be in the lineup daily. Even IF one of those guys are traded, there remains a daily crunch to play everyone and get them in the lineup. Unless there are massive injury issues, or a couple guys just stink initially, the DH should be spread out between the roster we have. As the roster stands now, the primary DH should be handled by a mix of Donaldson, Garver and Arraez with a few half days off for others. DH is NOT a problem. 6] Buxton is both complicated and easy. He wants to stay. The extension was reportedly NOT A PROBLEM in regard to guaranteed salary. The hangup was the incentives. Well hell, if he's healthy enough to play 120-140 games, you'd think the FO would be ECSTATIC to pay for his availability and the numbers he would probably produce. Further, he'd put butts in the seats. At WORST, he provides tremendous value when on the field vs his guaranteed money. At best, he is a potential MVP candidate who leads your team to a possible WS. You can even toss in an opt out clause if you are truly worried about future earnings. But what ownership, even if you want to keep beating the same old worn out drum about the Pohlads, wouldn't be willing to pay incentives to a difference maker who could be a face of the franchise and POSSIBLE MVP player? Get this done!

To answer the question posed in the headline, he did as much as he could with what he was given. Despite impressively transitioning to the OF/CF on the fly, he was still used a bit inconsistently in a losing year. There were absolutely additional opportunities to play he could have been given. His offense wasn't great, but was solid enough for a utility type. He showed a little pop and no question the speed he displayed is very welcome. He's always been know for building on his previous experience at a repeat of a level. That should hopefully be the situation here. Additionally, what would a good, healthy 10-15 pounds do for this kid? Sure hope to find out.

Going to Target on a Saturday night when no one else is shopping and you have the store to yourself and you see yourself on the security cam at the self-checkout and you look like you lost a little weight in your face. ABSOLUTELY NOT! Every single camera at the checkout makes me look like my DL picture from every year since I turned 30! Makes me look like a mug shot from being picked up for a DUI...which has never happened....or my company credential pic for driving an annoying ice cream van blaring annoying Caribean music throughout local neighborhoods enticing kids to fork over their allowance for sugar treats...which has also never happened.

Echo all previous comments that the proposed trade is disgusting and offers the Twins nothing more than a small pittance of financial relief and nothing more. Less we forget, Donaldson's injury this season was a hamstring issue and not the dreaded calf issue which has plagued him previously. He played in 135G, had over 500 PA and over 400 AB, albeit, some of those came as a DH. His numbers were very similar to his career production. And there is a very enlightening BLOG on TD where bean5302 really breaks down his season in minute detail that basically shows he might have been even better in 2021 with a little more BABIP luck and his skills haven't diminished. That means, decent health, a little more time spent at the open DH to assist and preserve, hes on target to again be a very productive hitter in 2022. Except for a few bizarre miscues, especially early in the season when it seemed the Twins were under some kind of general/universal curse, his defense was again very good, though his range may have slipped somewhat. But let's stop there for a moment and look at the "dude" and not just the player. Donaldson is absolutely a "red ass" as a player. That is NOT an indictment of him as a person. It's a long held term for an intense player. And if you don't think the best Twins teams, including their 2 WS teams, didn't have a couple "red asses" on them you are either too young or weren't paying proper attention. He's a very different personality to the intense, but more laid back Cruz. But like Cruz, from the day Donaldson donned a Twjns jersey, players have flocked to him for advice on hitting and approach. And he has responded in kind. Despite a few on the field incidents that may have left a few of us shaking our heads, he has been totally professional and never been anything negative during this disappointing and frustrating season. He brings offense, defense, experience and leadership as well as some "red ass" to 2022 that the Twins will need between 3B and DH. His trade just won't bring back anything substantial enough unless it could, maybe, bring back a high quality back of the pen arm. Other than something of that nature, his value is remaining a Twin for 2022 and splitting his time between 3B and some time at DH. It's up to the Twins FO, and Rocco, and opportunity that always happens in regard to things like injury, to find room for Miranda and others to pave their way for 2022 and the future.

I would be excited if the Twins added any of these fine SS. But I'm not sure I'm excited at the prospect of adding any of them. The problem with SS within the system is NOT that the Twins don't have SS depth, or at least intriguing options, it's that they don't have anyone close to being ready or anyone you can draw a circle around and say THIS GUY! I've seen just enough of Lewis in ST games, hilights from milb and the AFL, as well as reading enough to just be dangerous as a talent evaluator. I think he has the speed, quickness, athleticism and arm to play the position, play it well, and be at least solid, if not better. But the kid needs a chance to PLAY. I think he's a full year away, no matter his ability, attitude, professionalism, talent, etc. Martin went from college straight to AA. He split his 1st season almost equal between SS and CF but I'd keep playing at short as long as I can. It's called development, and at worst, flexibility. Who knows at this point if he couldn't surprise and stick there? (Not betting on it, but I wouldn't give up after ONE SEASON). Cavaco and Miller are too far away. Steer and Julian are probably super-utility players but could surprise, Holland has done nothing as of yet. Javier is an enigma. Palacios is a mystery who could surprise after his 2021 return to the Twins system. EVERY SINGLE TIME I look at this roster I see offense and offensive potential that makes 2022 look just fine, overall, and darn right dangerous with a couple simple rebounds, just a little better health, a little more consistency and development of some very talented youngsters. I just see adding 2 quality SP, by WHATEVER means, to join Pineda, Ryan, Ober, a healthy Dobnak, and the prospects as being the key. Of course, love to add ONE MORE backend RP and a viable RH 4th OF as well. But IMO, what the Twins need is a viable defensive SS who doesn't embarrass himself at the plate. And I just don't know how you add one of these top FA SS and still add to the rotation unless the FO can pull a rabbit or two out of their cap. If they COULD do that, I'd be as giddy as a lottery winner! I don't know what happened to Iglesias this past year. I'm not a metrics investigator. But my understanding is his defense fell way off in 2021 after a career of being considered a quality defender. Did he suddenly get very old at 31? Was he playing hurt? Was he under the Angels curse? Dunno. But I have him and Freddy Galvis at the top of my SS list for 2022 as relatively inexpensive, proven, veteran, don't embarrass yourself at the plate options while focusing on the pitching staff.

I agree with the basic sentiment that signing a big $ BP arm seldom makes sense or turns out right. History shows this as being a crap shoot, but then again, FA in general can be that way I guess. That doesn't mean the Twins shouldn't sign SOMEONE they think has real value for $6-7M-ish to augment the back end of the pen. I don't know who that guy is right now I'm sorry to say. We keep talking about making a trade for a quality SP with a couple years of control. But what about a trade for a BP arm from a team not expected to compete in 2022, OR, a team needing a little help somewhere who has a setup arm they would be willing to deal? That used to be a common way for teams to acquire a closer, get the setup guy from someone else who may be ready for the next step. Other than trading for Reardon, way back in the day, and nabbing Nathan from the Giants as, you guessed it, a setup man ready for an expanded role, the Twins excelled in developing their closer from converted starters within their system. Aguillera, Perkins, Trombley, Guardado are some examples. (Aguillera was acquired as a SP and then later converted). That is the best way to go to be sure. But we don't have THAT GUY at the moment. Alcala might be the next opportunity, but he's just taking that first step to being a reliable back end arm. Duran could be as well, but I'm sure as hell not going to give up on him as a SP at this point. Canterino is the same, but further away. They really, really need ONE ARM they believe in to join Rogers, Duffey, Thielbar and Alcala on that back end. And nobody wants to hear this, and I don't want to say it, but until someone shows me a real FA or trade target that makes sense....forgive me....I still have to wonder if Colome isn't a viable option. At some point, we have to forget April and May last year and look at his career and what he did from about June 1st on. I hope they can do better for the same $ or a bump, but I think he needs to be considered as a 1yr option.

A couple brief comments regarding the initial 4 points posted first: 1] I firmly believe the Twins are at least 50/50 on signjng one of the top FA arms. They went hard after Darvish and were one of the finalists. The Cubs went an extra year and "won" his services. (Might have bumped the A/V a bit I can't remember). They were serious about Wheeler at $20M plus but had the door slammed immediately as he just didn't want to leave the east coast. But the point is, they HAVE previously looked at the big arms. I think they WILL look again. And if they succeed, well, awesome! But it will impact point #2. 2] I DO think the Twins are going to trade for a rotation piece. I'm oblivious as to who and a bit sketchy as to how. Odorizzi and Maeda were virtual steals for a milb player, but can they do it again? Just a gut feeling, but I think the FO is looking to trade from their milb depth for an arm and wanting to keep the ML roster mostly intact at this point. I mean, we're talking about a re-tool vs a re-build so I don't see more than one roster fixture being moved. 3] I believe Pineda is a virtual lock for about $8M. Maybe with a couple kickers thrown in. But to me, that's a re-sign and agree it's not like some "on the market" signing. And so that still leaves 2 holes to fill. 4] I agree reinforcements are close. Could be as many as 4 or 5 ready by mid-season despite the disappointments of delayed development in 2021. But we're talking mid-season more than likely. You can't open 2022 on wishes and prayers to begin the season. I'm out on Greinke due to age and his previous reluctance to include the Twins as a tradeable team. Not saying I don't make a call to see if he's suddenly had a change of heart, but I don't expect it. I confess I don't know a lot about DeSclafini, but looked up his numbers. I'm OK with him but a little "meh". Not crazy about being 32yo, but if he really figuresd some things out and made some nice adjustments, he could be just as good working with Johnson. But are we talking a 1yr deal or something more? He could be an outstanding 1yr option, maybe some sort of 1+1 or option year, but I'm not willing for more than that at this point. Gray and Ray should almost be included together as they've both been mentioned in regard to the Twins as "potentials" the past few years as much as Stroman. Same age and similar careers. I could see either on 1 plus deal and could be OK. I think the Twins are out on any of the TOP SS options unless they wash out in the SP FA market. That's how and why they signed Donaldson. BUT, if they can bring in a couple solid arms via trade and FA...heaven and baseball gods forbid they bring in 2 FA that are quality without breaking the bank...they could still make a strike in that area. But do they need to? And I'm being serious here. With a better pen and a little better health the second half, the Twins basically played .500 ball with a patchwork rotation. What could they accomplish with a couple better rotation pieces to lead the rotation? Basic logic and finances and what little we actually know and speculate about what we know about the FA options available, Stoman and Ray and Gray make the most sense as FA signings if you're looking for someone to lead the staff. I believe Stoman made $12M last year and pretty sure that was his biggest $ year to date. He's been tied to the Twins for years now as a very similar pitcher to Berrios. (FWIW). He would seem to be the perfect target for a 4 or 5yr deal at $18-20M per deal that doesn't break the bank or preclude the Twins from making additional signings or moves. Maybe most import, he's been a model of health and consistency. You could even throw in an "out clause" after the 2yrs if you really needed to, allowing for the rise of milb talent. I think Ray and Gray offer the same potential as Stoman, without as much consistency, and might come in a little cheaper. Do the Twins have to sign Scherzer or Thor or Bauer to compete? Hell no! But these are a couple of arms listed who are still young enough, proven enough, talented enough to actually head the rotation without blowing up payroll. IF you make the right and smart move, you STILL have the "luxury" of a 2nd FA signing or a smart trade to bring in that Odorizzi or Maeda trade to fill the #2 spot. Such a trade could a steal as they've done before, hopefully, or it could include a couple quality milb prospects and one ML player like Kepler or Sano along with someone like Sands, just for example. Make no mistake, I'm open to a lot of potential scenarios here to bring in a couple quality SP options to lead our 2022 rotation. I'm inclined to keep the ML roster intact as much as possible as 2 steps forward and 2 steps back doesn't lead to success. But the Twins have enough talent and depth and $ available to make one or two smart moves to re-tool this roster without blowing up the roster or the system to make 2022 a competitive team. And whether they sign one of FA SP pitcher mentioned previously, as a primary or secondary, I have thoughts about guys like Rodon or Bundy. Would you bet big $ on Rodon? One big year for Rodon? Or would you play it safe for Bundy who has flashed and might be primed for a good year with Johnson and the Twins after a career with Baltimore and the Angels? Sorry to be long winded, but there are a lot of different venues for this FO to follow the next couple of months to add and re-tool this rotation.

I like his potential a lot and really hope we find a RH Cave replacement and allow Celestino to begin the year in St Paul. He needs to play daily right now to improve his bat and hopefully unlock some additional power potential. IMO his floor is a quality and versatile 4th OF. His ceiling is a starting OF, of course. I'm not worried about him being passed by at this point. I truly believe Lewis is going to stick at SS and while I'm not in a hurry to move Martin off of SS...you always give a talented kid like him time to see how he develops...I think he's going to end up in the OF with the ability to still help in the infield.

What makes his season even more amazing is he barely pitched after being drafted in 2019, missed 2020 like everyone else, and was this damn good this quickly. I fully appreciate comments and reports I've read previously that his secondary stuff needs work/improvement. But isn't that true for most any young pitcher? Especially one who has ONE season of experience.

Mike, I can't really disagree with you. And I don't want to for sure. But I'm afraid I'm kind of forced to. I think some of the young arms could be up and ready in as little as half a year, Balazovic, Winder, Sands and hopefully Duran, etc. But we have to have a full rotation to begin the season. Now, they don't HAVE to sign three FA. It might be two and a trade for a third, but they need arms. I think Pineda is a virtual lock for 1yr around $8M. I almost don't count him as a FA because it's really just keeping one of our own. But he's really a #3. I think Ryan and Ober are near locks. And I still think a healthy Dobber is going to play a real part in 2022 at some point. And the Twins have more thN enough $ available to make ONE big FA signing, and I'm still thinking Stoman is just an obvious choice. But they still need one more guy to help front the rotation. Could be a trade. Could be another 1yr deal on a rebound or "prove it" kind of deal for someone coming off a disappointing year. But they just have to add two guys to Pineda, Ryan and Ober, don't they?

Absolutely agree with this OP 100% 1] I've thought all along this team needs to re-tool and not re-build. Losing Maeda really hurts and makes said re-tool a lot harder. But when I look at the position player portion of thisLet team I'm still excited. Granted there were some down years for some if the guys. But with a couple rebounds, just a little better luck injury wise, and the continued development of Jeffers, Kirilloff, Larnach, Celestino and the debut of Miranda I think there is still a lot of offensive potential. 2] Let's face it, even if the Twins were to max out their payroll, to around $150M, they simply can't make the SPLASH moves very often that other larger market teams can. Which is why they just have to be smart. Have they always been so? No. But the Odorizzi, Maeda and Cruz moves WERE. Most of the trade returns they've made look solid and a couple of the guys are starting to make their presence known. Yes, they can make a splash here and there. But again, it's about being smart. And they are going to have to be really, really smart this offseason in regard to the rotation. They have room for one big move there, but doubtful they can make two. 3] The previous years this group has done a really solid job of building the pen without spending a ton of $. And they seem to tweak things as they go along and have even better second halves. While the 2021 pen just imploded the first half, it was put together in a way that SEEMED smart initially. And boy was it a better bullpen the second half. They absolutely need one really good arm for the back of the pen. And maybe they need another smaller Clippard or Robles type of addition. (Not sure it's necessary but wouldn't hurt). But with that one good addition, I'm encouraged.

#1] Ryan is an athlete and competitor and bright. Don't underestimate those qualities. His FB is average velocity, 91-94, but plays up due to location and release. We were informed his secondary stuff needed work. OK. But I watched his games and his secondary stuff looked pretty good to me his first 4 starts. Not talking about the teams he pitched against, just watching his stuff. His last start was pretty scrappy, but come on, we're talking about a rookie pitching his final game after attending a family situation. At the risk of sounding really old, I just love the moxie of the kid and believe his stuff plays and plays well. I am NOT going to annoit him as a future ACE. For one thing, I've learned that ACE status is rare and COMPLETELY unpredictable. But I honestly see his floor as a quality #3 and very probably a quality #2 in a season or two. Anything more than that is up to him and time and experience. (FWIW, I also see Ober as a potential #3 if he just stays healthy and keeps growing and can keep the HR numbers down) #2] Nick, you have more optimism regarding Jax than I do. He is, unfortunately, a victim of circumstance in his delayed development. But I DO SEE a decent FB and a very njce slider. And the kid is smart. Fully appreciate numbers posted previously as to his rookie performance. But there is that key word: ROOKIE. For someone who wasn't even expected to pitch at the ML level this year, how much do we stare at the final numbers? Shouldn't we, in this case, just look at the positives and the FB and slider and just wonder about gaining experience and wonder/project what he might do in the pen? Honestly asking. I think he might have a real role there in the future, but I'd think it would be mid 2022 and not before. #3] Never doubted AK before and won't now. This last wrist injury is not the same injury he had previously. So at this point, there is nothing chronic to worry about. He will probably end up at 1B because he's so good and natural there. And that's fine. But he's also solid in the OF. #4] Nick, IMO, you are way off on Lewis for 2022. Maybe I'm just a blind optomist, but I believe in this kid so much! I 100% believe he is going to hit, provide power and speed and be exciting. I fully believe he has all the tools necessary to be at least a "competent" SS. I say this as no expert, but I've seen enough from milb hilights and ST games to recognize the skilllset is there. Now, I'm not expecting greatness right away, or in the future, but be should be at least solid. And I expect growing pains both offensively and defensively early on. But I will be pleasantly shocked if he's ready for 2022 in any way other than a late season promotion. No matter his talent, attitude, intelligence or "gamer" ability, he just needs to PLAY.

Just a couple side notes: 1] I have no idea right now without looking back at previous handbooks, or reading the new one comjng out, or doing exhaustive research, etc, what Fatherstone or Funderburk throw. But you don't have the K numbers they had this year if you don't have SOMETHING to offer in regard to velocity and breaking pitches. Seems jts all about control and refinement with them. 2] I remember Featherstone transitioning to the mound after his rookie half year as a position player. But I had completely forgotten he had TJ surgery and missed 2yrs PLUS the 2020 season. To miss all that time and yet pitch at A+ in 2021 with success and a high K rate is pretty remarkable, even with a high BB rate. 3] For some bizarre reason, I thought Laweryson was drafted earlier than 2019. I guess memory fails sometimes, LOL. He appeared in 10 games his rookie year at Elizabethton, 6 GS before I GS at CR. He then, like everyone, missed 2020 and jumped to A+ CR this year with mixed results in 15 games. His ERA was high but his other numbers were solid, including high K numbers. The more I look at and reflect on this group of "marginal" prospects who are all outside the top 30 prospect lists with the exception of Wallner, the more curious and interested I become. I'm expecting nothing from Bechtold, sorry to say. I have some hope that the athletic Helman will blossom. But more and more I'm seeing a real plan for the pitchers here. They are "asking" Funderburk and Featherstone to prove they are ready for Wichita next year. And they are asking Laweryson to follow the Gross and Gipson-Long path of later round draftees who have a SOMETHING to work with and develop. I hate to just repeat my previous comments about this group being "interesting" and agreeing they are all "show me" prospects, but the more I look and reflect the more I'm intrigued. I think the FO is being very deliberate with the arms they sent to AFL, knowing what they already have with the arms they didn't send.

Easy choice. And he may never again reach some of the numbers he hit this season. So what?! HR might decrease, doubles might increase, BA might go up, etc. This guy is a STUD. And we've seen glimpses of what he can do before and we shouldn't really be surprised. And while it's OK if the roster construction going forward has him as an occasional backup SS, he needs to remain at 2B. He's good there and only going to get better. In the history of MLB, SS and CF were defensive positions. And then things changed in the 80's and beyond when we began to see amazing athletes take over those positions to change the game and our perceptions. But for some reason, we still hold on to archaic beliefs that 2B is where you just "stash" a guy who can't play SS. Talk to Whitaker, White, Knoblauch and other amazing 2B along with Altuve and Dozier and tell me a 2B can't be an important player in a crucial position daily. This guy is a STUD. Keep him at 2B, and maybe a backup SS depending on how the roster shakes out. He can be a fixture for the next several years.

I'm going to flip the coin for a moment. Has there EVER been a team who has played 7 different starting CF in a game in modern MLB history? That's how bad the injury situation was for our beloved Twins in 2021. The only shock there is Astudillo didnt get a start there, LOL. Kepler and Cave were supposed to be options there. We knkw how that turned out due to injuries. But as much as we want to bang on the season, disappointment, the FO, etc, to find blame and the such, shouldn't we also offer up a little praise to the FO and the coaching staff and the players to acknowledge they did a good job with working Refsnyder and Gordon in to CF on the fly? I'm just saying the guys in charge right now might be a little smarter and more savy than the guys before.

Understood, but agree to disagree somewhat. Meyers was a consensus top prospect when acquired. Granted there was a lot of hyperbole he was Randy Johnson-ish, which was fine. He didn't have to be that. But it sure seemed like we got something really good at the time. Somewhat ironically, we have drafted and developed our own "tall man" in Ober. No comparison to Johnson to be sure, just darkly humorous to me. But interesting to me is nobody has mentioned the almost simultaneous trade of Revere for May. While we can disagree forever about how he was handled in regard to Pelfrey and a rotation spot, May did turn out to be a decent bullpen option. And I wanted the Twins to keep him. And he had a solid 2021 with the Mets. But he was paid $7M to be a decent RP? Sorry, over pay. But we are straying from the original OP.

And Span should have been kept in retrospect. Especially considering the lack of any depth. And I actually had to applaud the FO at the time for being aggressive to bring in a high potential arm that the team needed. But man, 20/20 revision would change things.

With the exception of Wallner, this AFL group does seem light on prospect status. But I find this group to be "interesting". I agree with jmlease1 that this is very much a "show me" group. But I'm kinda OK with that after the lost 2020 year and who these guys are. Funderburk and Laweryson are 2018 and '19 selections that need IP. One is a high K LH RP and the other a SP. Again, they need IP to get ready for 2022. They wouldn't be here if the Twins weren't looking at each moving up at least a full level in 2022. Featherstone is a bit older, but a recent convert to the pen after being drafted initially as a position player, much like Gore. He is absolutely a "show me" something high K arm who again needs IP. Helman and Bechtold are very similar while being very different at the same time. Both are a little long in the tooth prospect wise, but each is again "interesting". Helman is a 2B/CF who mostly played the OF this past season. He is a good athlete with speed and power potential he began to really show this year. But the bat hasn't fully played yet. This is his opportunity to show he's ready for AA in 2022 or maybe get passed by. Bechtold has always been reputed as being an excellent defensive 3B who has also played some 1B and a little 2B. As a JC draftee he dominated his rookie half season and then slid production-wise. The power seemed to come in 2021 even though the bat lagged a bit. He also began to work behind the plate between games in order to utilize his arm and increase his versatility. I believe he got a one game start behind the plate at the end of the season. Don't be surprised if you see him behind the plate in a few games. Not a great group. I do believe the Twins are being cautious with some arms they COULD have sent. But I think they are being very deliberate in the arms they sent to AZ to see if they can improve and make the next step. I was excited when Bechtold was first drafted, but an OK rebound in 2021 doesn't excite me. The more athletic Helman interests me. But really, I'm watching Wallner and the arms to see what they might do. Not an exciting group to be sure. But there is some interest here.

This reminds me of a post I made about 3 or 4 years ago concerning the loss of Hunter and the ongoing ramifications it had on the team. In short, losing Hunter meant they HAD to find a CF in their Santana deal, not necessarily the best package, and then rush him as they didn't have a backup plan. And then, as pointed out, the same for Hicks, etc. IIRC, and some may have a different recollection, the Twins offered a deal for 4yrs that was mostly fair at the time and he was close to accepting before the Angels swooped in for 5yrs and about $5M more per and blew the Twins out of the water. One of the interesting things is Buxton's development over the past few seasons. I'm not here to blast the previous administration, but former players have been rather outspoken about everyone being "pigeonholed" in to a similar approach and many didn't achieve success until they broke out on their own in their approach. One thing this current FO and system have received notoriety for is a more tailored approach to each player/pitcher as an individual. When Buxton was allowed to do what felt "right" to him he began to take off. A shame some of the previous CF options, and others I'm sure, didn't have that kind of developmental approach. I also don't think this FO would have gone in to a year rushing someone without having some sort of fallback option. Not going to go in to details at this time, but I agree with Brock: PAY THE MAN, in regard to Buxton. He's just too important. Find a way between both parties to be satisfied and get it done!

Within the confines of the system being what they are, I think the numbers presented seem fair. I am not touching at all on Buxton or Rogers at this point as their are mitigating factors too complicated to deal with at this point. But as to the rest.... I'd avoid arbitration with Duffey and give him a lower annual number but give him a 2yr deal. He's just been too good, has made adjustments, and just too young to expect the wheels to suddenly fly off. Garver is under control for a couple more years, won't cost you much, and will reach FA, probably, too old to demand a huge deal. But he's also too damned good to not keep and split his time between C and DH. I'd do the same as Duffey. Just dismiss the B.S. and lock him to 2yrs. Arraez and Thielbar, no issues. Gant is a problem for me. Yes he showed flashes as a SP out of necessity once the Twins acquired him. And while he's had limited success as a SP in his career, he seems to have better numbers and value as a quality BP option who can swing in to the rotation when you need him. I'd really like to keep him in that role. It may sound like splitting hairs, but I think $2.5-2.7 makes more sense. I MIGHT even go $3M. Anything more than that just feels like an overpay to me. Not the time or place to discuss Astudillo's worth to the team. But IF the Twins have room and decide to protect him, his number hurts nothing and is just fine. (I think he's 50-50 being kept and the Twins would love to re-sign him to a split milb deal but think someone else might give him a better offer). IMO, Minaya has a history, a good 2020 at the alternate site, and a quality 2021 that he is probably protected. His salary is a drop in the bucket. Coulombe would be a nice milb re-sign. But there's just no room for him on the 40 man. Same with Refsnyder. I really, really want Refsnyder back on a milb deal for depth, and because I really think he re-invented himself as a hitter, post injury notwithstanding. But again, no room. And he could be quickly passed not only be Celestino, but also Kerrigan and Contreras, though younger. The small elephant in the room is Cave. I like Cave. I think he's a gamer and a solid ballplayer. He might even have a solid future. But after injury and 2 poor years, I just don't see a fit for this team going forward. Frankly what the Twins need is a RH version of him in 2018-19. That may come via trade or FA or from within. A FA might cost more. Celestino could jump up. Regardless, it's time to move on.