DocBauer

Something I've stated over and over again, how many true ACES or #1 starters were drafted as such, hit the ML level, and were just that #1 from day ONE? For every Clemons, there was a Randy Johnson who took time to get it right. For every Gooden, there was a Jimmy Key. I'm NOT comparing Varland in ANY WAY to great HOF pitchers! I'm just saying, it's just impossible to predict who will become a top of the rotation SP that is special. Remember when Santana was a rule 5 pick and trade for agreement? Did anyone feel the Twins got a steal? Nope. He was a milb rule 5 trade agreement who got his feet wet in the pen and then moved to the rotation and became a Cy Young winner and borderline HOF pitcher. But the Twins should draft one or go out and trade for one? PLEASE!

I don't know that I've ever said this before, but I don't "get" the intent of the OP, unless it's just to ask/express personal concerns. And that's fine. But I guess I really have to disagree with the premise of such consternation. Miranda is a 3B by trade/experience. He now gers to concentrate on his normal position. What says he can't be OK, or better, or get better? Just Twins history, and nobody else, there is a long list of 3B who were average at best before actually getting better with work and experience. He had barely played 1B before being asked to do so in 2022. He made some bad mistakes. But he got better. Personally, I ignore most all defensive metrics for a rookie playing put of position in his debut. Secondly, as many have stated, and I echo, what on earth is wrong with him losing fat, gaining muscle, and getting in better shape? It can only lead to a quicker swing, (possibly MORE power, not less), greater flexibility on defense, and more endurance for a long season...something Miranda himself was open enough to question. The "he looks sexy" comments are funny on the surface, but speak to hard work and dedication to be the best Miranda can be. I kinda doubt he turned in to some 185lb junior Mr Olympia body builder. No matter how well he actually plays 3B...and I'd eagerly accept solid/average...I do expect him to end up as a 1B/3B/DH in the future. What's wrong with that? Lewis, Lee, and Julien all look like legitimate DUDES. There's a good chance Lee or Lewis will just be better 3B options on a daily basis in the near future. Julien as probably more of an "Arraez" type of utility player who is in the lineup daily but at different spots. Miranda would NOT be a "bad player" because he has a great bat and can play 2 positions and also DH. But for NOW, he's the 3B. Isn't a team supposed to play their best players and find the best spot(s) for them? And then there is the retrospect discussion of Urshela, I guess. I like him. And MAYBE the Twins have overplayed their hand in the whole Kepler situation. (Different topic, different day). I would have been fine in keeping Urshela if the roster construction made sense. But right now, who do you cut to make room for him and his 1yr deal knowing he wouldn't be back? You keep him for 1yr and $9M in case Kirilloff isn't ready? You keep him to put Larnach in AAA? You keep him instead of acquiring the similar bat and far more versatile Farmer...which was basically the initial trade off, no pun intended...who I want to say has 2yrs of control? Urshela doesn't "fit" the construction of the team at this point. The OF depth/abundance seems messy until you examine the flexibility of the roster for contingency options. And that INCLUDES letting Miranda play his natural 3B position to maximize roster and lineup construction. A better built, more in shape, Miranda is a good thing, for him and the Twins. And Miranda eventually possibly/probably turning in to 2 position and DH is NOT a bad thing. But for roster construction for 2023, the "sexy" Miranda at 3B is correct.

Not surprised he needs to refine his secondary stuff a bit more. I think you could say that about most any young pitcher making his debut. And how much he refines those pitches will determine how high of a ceiling he has. Very impressed to go from 15th round pick to the majors in a relatively short timeliness, with steady progress throughout. What I really liked was the quick pace and composure on the mound, especially with a solid debut at Yankees stadium. Wow! Don't know how good he MIGHT be, but I also believe he's in the 2023 rotation. Hopefully at the back end because the front end is so strong.

I selected Coulombe as he just makes the most sense. He isn't great, but he's solid, and been solid for a few years now. It doesn't mean a negative against Moran, it just means opportunity for a 3rd LH who can do a good job in addition to Thielbar and Moran as an affective split differential part of the pen. But to be honest, I sooooo wanted to to pick "someone else" and name Michael Helman. A slow starter and too old to be considered any kind of top prospect, he started to find himself in 2021 and had a damn good 2022 split mostly at the AAA level. He's a potential late bloomer, with a combination of a solid quad split line with speed and the ability to be at least average at 7 spots based on his track record, though I doubt the Twins would put him at SS except in an emergency. As desperate as the Twins were for a viable lineup to end 2022, and with vast 40 man flux, he should have been up for a look-see. What would have made more sense, Cave...who didn't have a future...or Helman?

Agreed on the Arraez comparisons. It doesn't make sense to me other than some "grabbing" at the OB similarities with hope. Fabulous! More speed is awesome! The ability to be better defensively is a big plus. But at similar age and level, Arraez was/is a better hitter with more XB hits. Julien is a better comparison, even with differences. I hope for the best from Martin...but...when do we get to see any of the projections take form?

Crazy how he was signed as a defense first SS with a questionable bat ended up as a #2 or #3 hitter for most of his milb teams. Injuries may have played a part in slowing his range somewhat, but I think he's still a pretty good 2B. The bat isn't a question at all. Even with the dead ball in 2022 he was producing until his injuries slowed him and eventually shelved him. He might be underrated, but not by me. He's an absolute "gamer" each and every day. Healthy, he's one of the Twins best players, producers, and amongst the best in MLB. When he's had his legs healthy, he's hit, hit for power, been one of the hardest players to SO, and has been clutch. While he's one of my favorite players to watch, and been a player I can't wait to see come up with opportunity, I sadly admit he may not be a Twin longer than 2024. Not yet 30yo, and not expensive, I think the reality is guys like Lewis, Lee, and Julien are going to be less expensive, and probably as talented and productive in the near future. In the meantime, I'm hoping for a healthy 2023 where I just know he will be productive and maybe a 4 WAR player again if he stays healthy.

While the FO didn't go the direction I wanted/thought they might/should for RH help, Farmer is good against LH and Taylor isn't exactly bad, and they went the defense and versatility route. Yes, Larnach and AK are SSS, but small history shows they hang in there for sure. (Uncertain of milb history). Jeffers, he of only a little over 500 ML AB is great against LH. (He's GOT to get better against RH). Sounds like a broken record, but if the Twins get the pre-NY Gallo he's got solid splits both ways. So yeah, if the lineup the Twins put out there is the lineup we hope/expect, we shouldn't be so poor against LH arms as we've been the last couple of years. I find myself in a strange place caught between hope and expectation in regard to the lineup and offense in general. I love the possibilities and the depth and balance and the defense. At some point, I believe the worm has to turn, and the incredible rash of injuries needs to cease and find balance the other direction. If that actually happens, we will get the "normal" Gallo...if only for 1yr...and Kirilloff and Larnach will be good to go and begin their ML journey in full step.

OK, so I'm late to this party for sure! A little self-editing on myself: I have stated previously, somewhat flippantly in retrospect, that the Twins should leave him alone and get comfortable and do what feels natural. I never meant to imply in my own personal retrospect of him as a prospect that they SHOULDN'T work with him and develop his swing. He ABSOLUTELY has to develop at least a little power. Martin is a very talented individual. He appears to have a great eye and provides a great OB%. But ML pitchers will bust him inside and tie him up if he can't turn on some pitches and drive others. Hitting .240-.250 at the milb level with a .379-ish slugging does not bode well for a ML career. But he DOESN'T have to be turned in to high 20-35 HR player to be very good. Can we compare Martin and Arraez as potentially similar OB guys? Yes. And while Martin has way more speed than Arraez, Arraez is simply a better "hitter" and can stroke 30+ doubles and can turn on a pitch for HR power once in a while. At least we saw that in 2022. At this point. Martin hasn't come close to doing that. So yeah, Martin HAS to develop some power. Doesn't mean he has to be a slugger, so stop trying to make him one and find an approach to raise the BA a little, and get him to be a 35 doubles, 7 triple, 12-15HR guy with his other skills and you have a potential All Star player. AS A PROSPECT: He's out of my top 10 until I see a better BA and some of that needed pop/power to go along with his OB% and speed. Pop/power doesn't always happen at once, and further, it doesn't mean you are a slugger. But while they need to find a "comfortable place" with his stance and stroke, I need to see more before I jump on his bandwagon. Defensively, SS needs to be done with except as an emergency, late/extra inning situation. He played 2B/3B in college and should continue to work at those 2 spots. But the Twins say he's a "natural" in the OF. That's where he should play: LF/CF and mix in 3B/2B. He might even relax mentally at the plate eliminating SS. (Which I think and hope they are now prepared to do). I believe he was done a disservice being drafted, sitting out a year, and then being placed in AA. He was much better late in 2022...health may have played a part in that...and looked much better in the AFL facing similar pitching. I think he's best served going to St Paul for a challenge and a change of scenery to begin the upcoming year. I have hope for him to figure it out. But he's somewhere in the 11-20 range for me as a prospect until I see a jump with the bat.

I'm just ticked off that now I keep trying to see my nose when I look forward.

Have stated before, and sure I will again, I never like to move someone from the rotation to the pen too early. You never know when that new grip on a change makes a huge difference. Or a prospect suddenly comes up with a slurve or cutter they didn't have before. That being said, having watched Sands last year, I just feel he's destined for the pen and maybe that transition should take place now. Henriquez I'm not as sure about. IIRC he was much better the 2nd half of 2022 and he's got some great stuff. I believe he's only going to be 23 this year. With his lack of pure physical size, can he maintain his stuff as a starter? Again, I don't want to move anyone too soon. But I can see him in the pen as well. I like Varland and SWR. My concern isn't talent, but it's a half season or less at AAA. If/when they are needed, I hope it's at least a month or so in to the season as I just want them on a role. But maybe I'm overthinking things? Still think Winder has a chance, just needs to have his shoulder 100% And Balazovic is just too talented to not expect a bounceback this season. So that's at least 4 depth options that are young and talented, if not exactly proven at the ML level. I think a healthy Dobnak could really help at some point as well. Not sure as to why mention of him as a depth piece brings out so much negativity at times. I just don't how his finger is doing. **Aaron Sanchez was just re-signed. I thought he actually looked decent last season, so he might be a an OK 7th-8th option wr hope we never need. I'm not going to discount Cleveland at all. I can see the arguement of greater depth. Not sure I care. It's the best talent/depth I can remember for a very long time and that's what I care about.

I have previously commented on Canterino when he was accidentally included in the previous list. I wonder how differently the rotation and the pipeline would be viewed right now if he doesn't develop the arm issue. He would very likely have been in the 2022 rotation for most, if not all, of the year. He could be projecting as one of the top 2 SP for 2023. It just feels like he might be destined for the pen. Still, I'd be really tempted to see if he could be a late arriving rotation piece first. NOAH MILLER: Even watching his few appearances in the 2022 ST you could see the glove work and potential. The fact he makes contact and can control the zone tells me the bat has a future, even if power remains questionable. He's just got to be behind other prospects from warmer weather areas from a developmental standpoint doesn't he? As young as he is, is he better off repeating Ft Myers? Or better of "escaping" the tough to hit in FSL? I think we'll have a better feel for who he is a year from now. But I'm betting he's at Fr Myers for most, if not all, of the year. DAVID FESTA: You gotta be excited about him don't you? Later round pick with velocity and good K numbers and low BB numbers at 2 different levels in his fist full season. I think what impressed me the most was him slipping a bit near the end of the year and then cranking it up with maybe his best performance come playoff time. I think he's top 10 next year at this time. YASSER MERCEDES: I'm with Jmlease1 that it's just hard to know how to quantify the prospect status of a 17-18yo kid playing rookie ball in another country. I think the best you can do...besides just observing athleticism...is to simply examine him and his results to his peers. And from that standpoint, he sure seemed to excel. But for any teenager, we just don't really know who they are, or will be, for a couple of years. MATT WALLNER: I think he's ready right now...for a team not looking to compete for a division championship and the playoffs. He still has less than half a season at AAA. He may be a large man, but he's athletic and moves well. That arm is a cannon! But he lacks polish and a little more time at St Paul would do him some good. He may always strike out a lot, but you saw him in 2022 get better and better month by month. Good or great will be determined by continued hard work.

I hate to admit it, but as much as I follow drafts, international signings, and the entire milb system, I had forgotten about Jose Rodriguez. Hell of a debut! Is he ready for the FCL in 2023? Sure hope so. TANNER SCHOBEL: I get the Dozier reference. I like the power he produced in college, and I like the plate discipline. Tells me he has a bat that can play. And I get he was adjusting to pro ball. But even as a 2nd round pick, I'm a bit disappointed. No harm, no foul, a lot of potential still there. But I might have dropped him a notch or two at this point. RONNY HENRIQUEZ: He's got some lightening in his arm to be sure. He was really young for AAA in 2022. He kind of stunk early in the year, but got better. Better enough to earn a ML cup of Java at the end of the year. But what's so encouraging is the K's at AAA, and a solid ML debut, even in SSS. He reminds me so much of Sands, though they are different pitchers. You just never want to take a 22-24yo arm with potential and just decide; "you're a RP now". But sometimes you see build, and stuff, and maybe that missing 3rd or 4th offering that you just feel is never going to happen, and you make that call. I think he and Sands are going to make the transition in 2023 and be part of the pen, at some point, and beyond. Middle or late bullpen option is TBD. JORDON BALAZOVIC: I don't care who says what or how you try to sponsor it. IMO, there is no way a well built, high velocity pitcher with solid secondary stuff and proven results to place him in the top 100 prospects crashes so bad in 2022 without having an injury concern. My opinion? His knee hurt, he tried to pitch through it, and the Twins let him. His mechanics and mind set also got messed up as a result. He did throw better the last month or so when he was probably feeling more of his usual self. I would have ZERO complaints if they if they just sat him down and told him "you are at St Paul the entire season if needed, to get yourself RIGHT. You want to debut in 2023? Then be healthy, get your head right, and go out and dominate again!" A combination of "babying" a top arm while challenging him is the right call. And that's how I'd approach Jordy Blaze for 2023. MATT CANTERINO: Man, what might have been. The Twins took a shot. IIRC, he never had a single significant injury in college. And the Twins were very careful with him after signing. But the "Rice Curse" sure hit hard. Instead of POSSIBLY going in to his 2nd full season of being a Twins SP with the idea he might be the #1 option...he's recovering from TJ surgery after 10 GS in 2022 at AA Wichita, (2 GS in the complex to ramp up). He had very limited IP but great numbers, FWIW. And maybe he should have been shut down earlier and had surgery. But that's the past. He's ranked this highly...I believe deservedly so...based on talent and expectation of a successful TJ surgery. With luck, he will return to the mound at some point late in 2023 to get ready for 2024. At that point, he will be 26yo. The FO is way smarter than me as an amateur GM. There is a part of me that says "let him still be a late arriving SP who might have a really good 7-8yr career". And there is the more practical part of me who says he should be placed in the pen to utilize the best years of his career as a potential high leverage and potential closer arm.

As far as Gordon goes, the FO has stuck by him since they came on board, even though they had no previous allegiance to him. Do you think such a positive step forward in 2022 is going to suddenly sour them on him? He has to continue to develop and grow and prove his 2021 and even better 2022 was not an aberration. That's on him. But the lineup and opportunity are always fluid. Kepler may or may not be part of 2023. Gallo may or may not revert to his previous, productive "Texas" days. OR...and I hate to say this...he might end up playing some 1B if AK isn't 100% ready to go from day one. This FO likes the Dogers format of having a bunch of talented guys who can play multiple spots. That's a good thing, and I applaud that approach. Gordon should have ample opportunity to play and continue to prove himself. Again, it's up to him to continue to play well, if not actually improve.

Someone please help my memory, or correct me if I'm just wrong, but as I recall, I swear part of Alacala's strong 2nd half finish in 2021 was him dusting off his change, tweaking his change, working on a cutter, or something similar, to work against LH hitters. I'd swear I'm right on this, but can someone confirm or tell me I'm crazy?

To add to Nick's previous addition, as well as this one, he's been taking about 50-60 swings per day, as well as general workouts. Reports I've read have him dealing with soreness, not pain. I hope that is accurate. ANYONE coming off any kind or surgery will deal with sorness and at least a little pain. You're breaking up scar tissue and just getting your body adjusted again to normal activity. The issue is when he starts taking 75-100 swings and how he responds. I'm sure the Twins will measure his workouts to make sure he doesn't overdo. But until I hear "pain" instead of soreness, I'm going to assume the surgery was a success and he just needs time to get his wrist "prepared" for normal usage.

I get Falvey's comments. I really do. You can pencil in an 8 man bullpen in about 20 seconds...yes, including Pagan at this time...even before adding someone like Winder, Henriquez, Sands, or any non roster invites like Coulombe to the pen. And there's the potential to be really good there. But I still don't understand just trusting in what you have, and some of the question marks you have, and not adding another piece or two that should raise the floor and doesn't force you to trust in "hope and possibilities" for continued improvement from Pagan, Moran, Megill, and a full return to effectiveness for Alacala. But the FO is well known for late additions. There is still opportunity, and arguably need. I think several of us are in agreement they may have their eye on someone and might even have a gentleman's agreement in place once a 40 man roster opens up. *And for the record, I hate the idea of moving Ober out of the rotation. But, unfortunately, someone might have to, at least initially. And it might be him. But we all know if that happens, someone will go down at some point.

I think you nailed it! I was surprised when the Twins had him play a couple of innings in ST last year. I saw those games and he was fluid. I think the defense is there, and going to be there. But I just can't ignore upper Midwest teenager going to professional baseball for his first year. Just so much travel ball and area code ball, etc. Who are the best prospects? Who could be great, but is behind the curve...no pun intended...due to weather and camps and opportunities as a 17-18yo? The Twins drafted Miller, IMO, knowing full well he was a project behind a few other possible choices. They were more than happy to expect an extra year of development vs someone in a warm weather climate, for example, because they felt they got the better player in the long term. Think redshirting a top prospect. Miller still has to prove it. But I think the Twins are easily giving him an extra year to show what he can do right now.

The next prospect list! Of course I have to comment! 30] BYRON CHOURIO: He's so brand new to the organization I know ZERO about him except what I've read the past couple of weeks. Young, talented, projectile, but so far away I just don't know you rank him. So why not 30? And with a first name like that, he's got to be good, right? (And I'm not talking Buxton, high 5'er if you get my tongue in cheek reference, lol). 29] AARON SABATO: I get 1st round status and what he did in college. I get the power. I get having a good eye and the ability to draw walks. But when you hit this poorly at A and AA, it tells me your eye is going to betray you as you climb forward without a major adjustment. Better pitchers await at AAA and especially the ML level. Right now, I don't see him actually "hitting" and I wouldn't have him in the top 30 until I see real signs of improvement with the bat. 28] KALA'I ROSARIO: He's got some nice tools to work with and is only 20yr old. The FSL has always had the reputation as being a hard league to hit in. In previous days, if you could hit there, the transition to AA should be pretty smooth. NOW, it's a transition to A+ if you can hit there. It's almost unfair that Ft Myers is your 1st or 2nd year??? But then again, if you can hit there, should be a relatively smooth transition on promotion. Logic says the 20yo Rosario should begin at Ft Myers again. But I can see a mid year promotion to CR and decent results when it happens. 27] YUNIOR SEVERINO: Last year, before the season stated, we did a sort of "pick to click" at different levels. He was one of my choices and I'm going to pat my own back on that one, lol. He's young enough, and produced quite well at both levels last season that I would rank him at least a few spots higher. His defensive home and role is yet to be established, but he's got good talent. I think he's a safe bet to be at St Paul about mid season. 26 & 24] BRYAN ACUNA & DANNY De ANDRE: I have them grouped together as they are only a year apart, play the same position. And there's a good chance they will both begin 2023 in the FCL. Both seem to have the skills to stick at SS at this point. Acuna has family bloodlines that can't be ignored, and had a solid debut in the DSL. De Andre didn't have as good of a season with the bat, but he was also state side for the first time. Regardless of what spot you want to rank them, they were top international signings with projection and are so close that I group them together. Both a long way away but so similar, why not have them both in the bottom third but with the ability to really grow. 25] BRENT HEADRICK: I have a soft spot for LHP, primarily because good ones are few and far between, and the Twins haven't had a lot of good ones for a while. Headrick only threw 3.2 innings after being drafted in 2019, and then missed all of 2020. So college pitcher or not, 2021 was really his first true taste of professional baseball. I think that's important to look at, as it is for other 2019 draftees. He was good in 2021 and even better in 2022, as the OP shows. I just don't know enough about his cureent velocity at this point to know if his numbers are based on control and deception, or is his FB a legitimate, solid option to go along with his other pitches to remain in the rotation. If he's a legitimate 92-93+ with control and can keep his other offerings solid, then he's a potential rotation piece. And I hope that is the case. You can't deny his numbers at this point. (Reminiscent of Ober a couple years ago). At worst I see him as a high quality middle bullpen arm. 23] COLE SANDS: And here is where I might get some negative feedback. His milb numbers have been pretty damn good up until 2022. I had actually forgotten how good his 2021 season at AA was. Coming in to 2022, I saw him as a St Paul rotation fixture with a chance to help the Twins at some point. We'll, things didn't quite work out that way. He wasn't great at AAA, and wasn't exactly great with the Twins. But if you actually watched his games with the Twins, what you saw was a crappy inning, or half crappy inning, along with a really good looking "other" inning or half inning. What I saw was a decent FB that needs a little more "hop" or control, and some breaking pitches that were just NASTY and left a few batters embarrassed. For a rookie basically skipping most of AAA, I saw what I expected, someone not yet ready. But you could SEE there was an arm there with stuff. I NEVER want to give up on a possible rotation arm too early. And I suspect the Twins will want to have him in the St Paul rotation to make damn sure he isn't a possible SP option. But I have a hunch he could end up being a really good BP piece with a decent FB, and a pair of breaking pitches that could play really well. 22] BLAYNE ENLOW: What else is there to say? He was OK in early work as an overslot HS signee who flashed briefly before TJ to begin 2021. He was mediocre last year in 2022. Not bad, but mediocre results overall. But I'm not sure what people expect. He was one of the top HS arms in the country when the Twins offered him enough $ to skip college. So he was OK, flashed, and then was injured. Protected, DFA, he's still in the system. I wouldn't have grabbed him in the rule 5, but the Twins thought enough of him and his potential to try to keep him. They succeeded. NOW, with a full season of "getting back to business and figuring myself out again", the still 23yo SHOULD be ready to take a step forward. If he does, he's back on the 40 man and has a future. If not, he might be gone. I never like dismissing any prospect after an injury ruined season. Not right, not fair. But 2023 is his prove it season. 21] JAYLEN NOWLIN: I can not tell a lie. This is my favorite on this list. I follow the draft and the entire milb system very closely, but I had forgotten about him as he was a 19th round pick in 2021. Not sure why, but he pitched 1/3 of an inning. Late signing??? But I DO RECALL Seth talking about him last offseason as someone to watch after instruction league. So really, 2022 was his FIRST milb season. And GOOD CALL for Seth to be watching and plugged-in to this kid. Control is obviously an issue, though that is certain for every prospect. But more to the point, is there potential for a 3rd offering? Control or not, he needs some kind of change, cutter, splitter, etc, to remain in the rotation. I never buy in to height and weight on the milb site as they always seem behind. But if he's gained a few pounds/muscles at his age to get beyond the reported 180lbs, he might be able to maintain that reported 97mph velocity and be a legitimate SP with a 3rd pitch.. REGARDLESS, the Twins might have drafted themselves a hell of a powerful LHRP who could debut in a year or two. A nice group of 10 that I like. Potential. Done with Sabato until he shows me something more. Really surprised he's in the top 30. A few "wait and see" kids that ranking doesn't matter. Four pitchers that could contribute or make a big rise this season.

I don't know if Kepler is going to be moved or not. A month ago I would have asked when, and not if. But I don't see Gurriel, or anyone, added unless someone in the OF is moved. (He'd make the most sense). The FO has a history of making moves all the way up until opening day. And we will have 3 open roster spots to work with once ST starts. There are a number of solid pen arms still available. There's a few arms coming off bad years who could be late, rebound signings. I would be surprised if the Twins don't bring in at least 1 arm. In fact, I wouldn't be shocked if a deal was already in place with someone.

A lot of interesting names on the honorable mention list here. And agreed that some are interesting and will undoubtedly find their way to the ML level at some point, whether with the Twins, or someone else. Helman is at the top of my list. Boy has he turned his game around the past 2yrs. He's a little older, a bit of a late bloomer, so I understand why he's not more highly regarded. I was actually surprised someone didn't nab him in the rule 5 as a talented utility type. I'm still flabbergasted he wasn't brought up at the end of last year when the Twins were scrambling to put players on the field. He's going to be a nice role player for someone. Prato is one of those guys who seems to always be forgotten. Including by me. I think he defies a specific role offensively, but he just keeps producing and putting up solid numbers overall. And every time I look at milb box scores, and his numbers, he just keeps getting the job done. Nice to see Keirsey have a good year. I recall his bad college injury and questions about his selection, despite a lot of good tools. I just don't know how he "fits" going forward with the OF depth available. But he might end up being a LH backup to Buxton. I wish Isola and Williams were true catchers. While not knowing enough about them defensively, and falling understanding ALL milb catchers are going to move around so that EVERYONE gets to play and develop, they just don't seem to spend enough time behind the dish to tell me they have much of a future there at the ML level. Williams had a bad shoulder in college, and I'm guessing that's why he's been more of a 1B/DH. Too bad, I've heard he's a smart receiver. Really hoping Cardenas and the other 4 catchers the Twins drafted the past 2yrs take a step up in 2023. It's such an important position, and so hard to find good ones, much less great ones. I'm holding out hope for Carmago, not listed here. Is he forgotten? Or does he appear as a surprise in the top 30? I don't think Mooney and Adams are the only "boy could they make a jump if" for this year. But I do recall them being drafted as "intriguing" options in the mid rounds. But Laweryson is of great interest to me. He MIGHT begin 2023 in Wichita as the St Paul staff could be pretty packed, but I see him at AAA quickly, if not right away. His delivery is very sneaky, and that change is NASTY. I think we'll see him in middle relief for the Twins in the near future. Really excited about a number of international kids taking a step forward this next year. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few gaining some serious momentum.

As I do with the NFL draft, I don't spend a lot of time on draft prospects and scenarios until the actual draft gets closer. Just so many variables over the course of the months until the draft actually arrives. But I love and appreciate articles and information of this sort to aid with my familiarity as the time draws close. So thank you Jeremy, and the everyone else's contributions! I'm not certain the Twins are desperate for catching help after selecting 5 between the past couple of drafts. But it's an incredibly important position and hard to find good ones, much less great ones, so I do believe you take a couple every year if you're smart. I also agree a really nice RH OF, or two, would be smart to help balance out the system. I could see one very early. Hard to argue with the Twins going heavy on arms this year. The prospect cupboard isn't barren, but it does feel light compared to the position player strength from the DSL on up. There's a few guys they selected in 2022 that look intriguing and seem to fit the FO MO of projects that have the frame and at least 1 very good pitch and/or quality that could make them a potential steal. But yeah, time to re-stock the cupboard.

Brian Duensing for.............

I admit to being a bit wary after reading the information in the OP. But I'm still interested if the $ isn't steep. He's got a live arm, is only 30yo, IIRC, and might even have a little upside in the pen as he's only being doing it for a about 1 1/2 years. And we're talking about a live arm for the 6th-7th and not necessarily a set-up guy. While I am still OK with Fulmer, I have wondered if a LH to team with Thielbar might not be the best option, however. Moran still fits as a 3rd lefty, especially since he generally has reverse splits.

I TRY not to respond initially when moves are made...work helps with that, LOL...as I want to remove the "fan" in me and try to be the best "logical" amateur GM I can be. I don't like every move made, or not made, thus far in the offseason. But by and large, I have to say, I see the "method of madness" in just about every move made so far and can't help but like what's been done. 1] HOWEVER Correa ended up in Minnesota, it solidified the SS spot, changed the entire complextion of the team, and suddenly gave free reign to the movement of high, young talent to play and contribute throughout the roster now and the next few years. Correa is not a new addition, but he adds so much, and offers up so much more flexibility. 2] Arraez being moved HURTS, as a fan, and questions about replacing him. The timing stinks because as I've stated previously, SOMEONE good was going to be moved NOW, or next offseason. The timing stinks because the best replacements for what he brings offensively don't appear ready yet. But you can't get something without giving up something. 3] My knee jerk reaction to Gallo was filled with angst. Period. I'm still not sure I would have gone that route. His 2022 was a nightmare. Period. But if you take a step back and actually look at his career you will see some VERY INTERESTING numbers. He became a full time ML ballplayer in 2017. (I'm deliberately ignoring the position/defensive debate). From 2017 to 2021, five ML seasons, the abbreviated 2020 season, for whatever reason and weirdness, was his worst year. But over that 5yrs, even including the poor 2020, his quadruple slash line is impressive! .209/ .337/ .493/ .830 with an AVERAGE HR total of 30 dingers even including the short and not very good 2020. Knock the BA all you want...and it isn't good to be sure...but the OB, the SLG, the OPS, the HR numbers just can't be denied. An .830 OPS is pretty damn good, however you achieve it. His DOWNFALL, was the trade to NY in 2021. He hasn't produced the same since then, through 2022. So either he just suddenly lost it, or he just didn't fit it, never felt comfortable, lost his confidence, whatever, etc. But his numbers are there for anyone to take the time to look at. The FO is banking on the "Texas" version of Gallo in 2023 with a change of scenery vs the 1 1/2 of NY and LA to provide offense, solid to better defense, and maybe be a bridge for the young talent. Again, not my favorite move, but I see now what they are doing. 4] LOVE the Vazquez signing as a high quality catcher with a solid bat. Reminds me so much of the Castro signing to help the staff and work with Garver, and alleviate some pressure. Won't again re-state my opinions on Jeffers, but at still only 25yo, and with legitimate STICK potential, Jeffers has 500+ ML AB and potential. I see a parallel here. 5] Gray, Mahle, Lopez, Ryan, Ober, Maeda, and the depth of SWR and Varland beyond those 6 is pretty great. Nick merely mentioned Dobnak as a possible surprise contributor. It might happen. It might not. Why so much angst given to a guy who was pretty good as a backend option before his finger injury? He was pretty solid previously. The rotation depth is the best in years. Much better than the start of 2022. The rotation is FAR better today than 2022. 6] I still think the Twins should be grabbing someone to enhance the PEN. I think Lopez will be just fine. He's probably not as outstanding as he was with the Orioles, but is better than he showed after the trade. His stuff is too good, A fully healthy Alacala, building on his 2nd half of 2021, could make a huge difference. Moran has a lot of potential. But if the FO really wants to make a difference, there are still a handful of solid BP arms out there to add, and not just trust in young arms to be ready. I'm still surprised Fulmer hasn't been brought on board. Chafin and Hand are still out there as well if they'd prefer to add a LH option. Or maybe add 2 arms? The payroll is sitting about $150M, give or take. Right now, they are missing opportunity. 7] I'd take Farmer over Urshela for versatility sake. 8] Taylor was NOT the direction for an OF I initially thought of. But I love the addition. Great defense, speed, a completely average hitter, but also a legitimate CF/OF defensive option. HAS THE FO BUILT A BETTER TEAM TODAY THAN 2022: YES. The rotation and bullpen are better, with depth. The defense looks strong, with the agreed on Miranda proving himself at 3B and AK being ready at 1B, and early accounts saying he's fine with "natural" soreness from rehabbing and getting his swings in. Is catching and defense better overall? Yes. Should the Twins be done? I'd say NO. They've done a good job. But unless they are just CERTAIN about a few question marks, go out and grab a BP arm, or two. The payroll is only $150M ish. STOP being foolish about Pagan, and learn from previous lessons. Move him or DFA for for Fulmer or similar. I don't think they are done yet, but I like most of what they have done to this point.

Ted's OP is prospects to DEBUT for the first time. And that's the key. Even in very SSS we've seen a bunch of the current 40 man do so. And I think Elliot is correct when he states you can pretty much forget anyone not currently on the 40 man roster, barring trades. And even without that rather obvious criteria...and the 40 man is pretty well stacked to be honest...the choice is CLEARLY Julien. Signed too late in 2019 to play, and no 2020, college draftee or not, his development and production has skyrocketed him through the system in TWO YEARS. He was great in 2021, dominate in 2022, and was "cheated" out of MVP in the recent AFL season, still earning the nice "breakout player" award. Still looking for a defensive "home", you find room for a hitter with all of his potential and ability. Very good chance he, more or less, swaps places with Arraez as an OK defensive player at a few spots, and sess time at DH, so he can be in the lineup most days. He won't hit like Arraez, or have the same uncanny ability to avoid K's like him, but will walk more, and have more power and speed. (Better knees, one would think). I wouldn't be shocked if he broke camp, but I don't see the room for him, as the roster stands today. And I don't think the Twins will want to push him that fast, wanting him to get some AAA time before promotion. But he's just got to be #1 on the list. The remaining options, as listed, I don't have a problem with, in general. It all seems to make sense. The exception might be Balazovic. I still have a lot of faith in him after a single nightmare season. The talent is still there, the potential is still there, and sometimes s**t happens and just goes wrong. I wouldn't be surprised if they guarded him a bit and let Winder/SWR/Varland get time before him to just give him all the time he needs to get right. DARKHORSE CANDIDATE: Don't sleep on the older Helman to get a shot at some time as a super utility RH bat with pop and speed and some bat ability to be a fill in player at some point in 2023.