DocBauer

I remain so-so on the runner on 2B. I despised the idea but am now ambivalent. I was OK with 7 inning double headers for this year, but not going forward. But I have to admit, I like the pace of the games played, the short turnaround between games, and pitching staffs and rosters overall not being worn out by a pair of traditional length games. I think I could get used to this. Hate the idea of the expanded playoffs.

Arm talent and potential is harder to define than athleticism and bat potential, IMO. I don't think that is a hard stretch. In regard to pitching, especially SP, there are few "guarantees" when it comes to the draft. There are so few guys like Clemons, Verlander and Strasburg at the TOP of the draft you can have the luxury of drafting as a close to sure thing. The next best thing to do...NOT talking about major trades or major FA signings...is what the current FO is doing. That is, revamp coaching. Which they have done. Next, draft a guy who has 1 or 2 great pitches or qualities you see and develop them. I would call this the Cleveland/Dogers/Rays format. I think we all know throwing 95mph+ doesn't mean you can "pitch" and be successful. But what if you can throw 92 with a great change or curveball and the Twins staff can add velocity and help with command and teach you a slider, slurve or cutter? The FO looks for arm talent, to be sure. While it's not talked about, I believe they are also looking for intelligence and the obscure "coachability" talent. Duran was obtained through trade, Vallimont through trade, Enlow and Sands via the draft. Dobnak came from the nether regions, lol. And I've left a lot of guys out, obviously. The point being they are astute at looking at coachability and projection. And not everyone will make it as a SP, or make it at all. But being a 1st round draft choice as a P guarantees little. It's about having as many arms as you can to work with and develop as you can. Right now, I am so encouraged as to what may be coming up the next couple of years that i am giddy with anticipation. And yes, I did use the word "giddy". Lol

I've already stated my love for Eddie and all the reasons why I think phasing him out NOW is a huge mistake. Also stated, for many reasons, why I think he will be back in 2021. And I am happy and good with that. But I really like this post. Forgetting defense metrics, I think Kepler is the better pure hitter with as much power. And I believe Kepler has more in him. Short, weird season and injuries, I would have LOVED to see some sort of combination of Arraez/Polanco at the top of the order and Kepler as the LH #4 hitter with the productive Rosario sliding down to #6 behind Polanco. It's not a slight to Eddie. It's about the top of the lineup and then staggering the lineup for greatest production and depth.

While the jury is still out to be sure, I've been very impressed by their drafts thus far, as well as the overall changes in development philosophy. They also seem more aggressive in promotions. I don't want to start yet another debate about who was traded in a bad season, but it does appear they brought in a few guys who have real potential and some high ceilings when they did so. And let's not forget Dobnak came under their watch. Right now, Dobnak, Alcala, Jeffers and Littell are part of this team and Acquired via the FO recent moves. Sure I'm forgetting someone. Maeda was acquired by actually moving a prospect, something we aren't used to seeing. I wish the best for Graterol, I really do. But right now, I can't imagine not having Maeda on this team. And I believe he's here for at least 3 more years. There is another thread concerning Rosario that I don't want to get in to because that discussion should stay where it is. But I would make one point that references that discussion. Teams and rosters DO CHANGE. And they do so for many reasons. While I personally don't feel a championship contending team should be banking on prospects to replace a quality position player, with a wide window of opportunity, especially coming off a no milb season of normal development, how tantalizing is it to reflect and speculate on Rooker, Kirilloff and Larnach...with Celistino just behind...as future fixtures? (Or part of trade possibilities, of course). And not that there aren't other solid prospect behind them. Teams change every year. And while there could be arguments for mostly keeping our current Twins team intact for 2021, changes WILL take place. How about Lewis, Gordon and Blankenhorn for infield additions soon? I do share Dman's concern somewhat about a lack of top selections pitching wise in the draft. I'd like to believe this bas been a result of taking the best player available and a belief in their ideals of draft and development. The Cleveland way of doing things if you will. But then I see what Dobnak and Alcala are doing. (Completely different additions). I see the potential of Duran and Balazovic and maybe Chalmers. I wonder about Colina and Enlow and maybe Sands. I suddenly remember Celistino, recently added to the 60 man. And while I'm sure I'm leaving a few guys out, I'm starting to see the Twins version of a pitching pipeline potentially beginning. Drafting, signing and trading for young talent and developing them IS the lifeblood of a successful organization. Isn't that what Falvey and Levine spoke of when hired? So far, so optimistically good I'd say. Despite some really nice and even key veteran performers on the roster, there are a lot of still young players that make up our beloved Twins. And the window OP opportunity appears wide open to me with a ton of young talent ready to rise up over the next year or two to replace and augment the team. Not everyone will make it or stay with the the organization. But I am really excited for what we have and what is coming up.

A beautifully written piece that tugs at the heart strings as well. Wonderful! To me, baseball is not just a sport. It signifies spring when it starts. The oncoming of better and warmer days following the gray post holiday winter months. It brings hope and promise. It means another game, another day of possibility even after a loss. Even in dark seasons, there is that next day opportunity. Who will shine that day? What young player might emerge next? What new thing do my dad and I have to talk about? That's baseball to me. I am so disappointed in a short season. But I embracing each week, each game as something rather precious that could have been missing for the whole year if not for this abbreviated run. And so, just like a normal year, I embracing both today and tomorrow, no matter what happens, how it turns out, and celebrate what happened while getting amped up for next season all over again. Hopefully a full season with fans and milb to enjoy and debate as well.

Late to the discussion but had to weigh in. Keep in mind, I'm a fan of his, despite some of his flaws. I don't think anyone is saying Rosario is a bad player. Period. It is about the team getting better as well as managing the team/roster going forward. The one area of Rosario debate that amuses me is his production is somehow "expected" or "excused" because he should somehow "easily" produce power and RBI numbers because of where he sits in the lineup most days. Please. I'd like to think Rocco and his staff are smart, and probably smarter than we are. They put him in those lineup spots because he CAN produce runs. He has the power to do it. He has the confidence in himself to do it. And that's not true of everyone. So to dismiss his production...good production...because almost anyone could do it is just wrong. Could he do better? Is he streaky and sometimes maddening? Yes to both. But he is a good and productive ballplayer and to dismiss him, even if you aren't a big fan/believer is a disservice. All that being said, I think it makes complete sense to realize he may not fit in long term. Now, ANY thought of phasing him out during a playoff season is ludicrous. IMO, it's also really hard to believe he won't be back as an important piece in 2021. No matter how the work is coming along in St Paul, or what any AFL or EST may happen or look like, it seems a bit short-sighted to just audition prospects, top prospects, who have some to no experience above AA ball with no actual milb season this season and is also without a normal September call up scenario. Additionally, there are 40 man implications and no real fluff remaining that you just feel OK to dump to make room for someone until you have to. I feel Rooker has a chance to be pretty good. (Though I remain frustrated that such a good overall athlete still has some defensive questions). I feel really good about both Kirilloff and Larnach both and love their potential. And yes, I also feel either or both may indeed be even better than Rosario. But I'm not ready to bank on any of them being able to replace Rosario at the start of 2021. While Eddie could be moved in a deal, auditions and possible platoons could happen to replace him, I believe he will be back in 2021, his last arbitration season. At some point next year, certainly before 2022 hopefully takes place, I believe Rooker, Kirilloff and Larnach will be ready. Celestino hopefully close behind. Finances are a part of the game. And there are other guys I would choose to extend and keep that I believe are far less easy to replace.

The problem with this crazy year and financial situations that can have FA and even arbitration repercussions for the next few years is it also affects internal development for each team with no milb season, only taxi squad development at this time for a handful of prospects, and no idea right now if there will be any sort of EST or expanded version of it. And let's not forget the finances of MLB are not only affected by 2020 but also labor questions beyond 2021. (Not taking a labor stance, just stating an obvious situation). You mentioned Cruz and Avilla. I don't think Cruz is going anywhere based on want and need from both sides. Avillla could retire? I'm impressed by Jeffers thus far, even though the ML bat isn't quite there yet. Would it be so bad to bring Avilla back on a cheap 1yr for insurance and depth? MAY] I'd really like him back. Some might say he's easily replaceable after a couple rough days recently and the FO ability to develop a bullpen. But that's an easy cop-out, even with a few arms close. A couple other guys may or may not be back. I want to keep the bullets we have. As good as May has been the last 2yrs, I don't feel he's proved enough over enough time to warrant a Reed like $8M. But 2020 makes that a near financial impossibility unless someone is just in love with him. I can't say what he's worth in this climate, but I can't believe he would cost more than $3.5-5M. ODORIZZI] Things couldn't have gone worse for him in 2020. Not his qualifying offer, but any chance to build on 2019. You can argue all you want, but even without the qualifying offer, was anyone going to offer him more than $20M per? I mean, he's solid and very good at times, I like him and want him back. But I've been arguing for a long time now his QO is more than fair. Again, unless someone is just in love with him, I believe his fair value will be somewhere in the $14-15M range with a max of $16M. More than fair for a good/great #3 SP who often pitches like a #2 when healthy, even if it's for 5-6 IP per. He also wants to stay. I think the Twins want him to stay as well. Biggest question, in my mind, is not if they like him. The question is do they have another Maeda type move in mind, or trust their system to replace him quickly enough? ADRIANZA] With Gordon being out until recently, I could see Adrianza back on a smaller salary. His glove is excellent. He's versatile. Do you bet the bat of the last 2 seasons is more accurate than his 2020 bat? Gordon may not be ready. Blankenhorn is a different player. I think it's easily dismissive to say he's easily replaceable. Again, defense, versatility, 2 previous years of a solid bat...i think he is absolutely worth another 1yr deal, but probably at a reduced salary at this point, I would have argued about Marwin in the OP, were it me. I'd of argued him over Adrianza. As of now, despite some early flash, his bat has disappointed. But he's part of the depth the Twins have built up. Where would the team be right now without him in 2020? He's flashed defensively at 3B and 1B filling in and is a solid corner OF to give guys days off. He's been damn important last year and this year. Now, he's not showing himself to be worth another $9M to the Twins or anyone else. But he's still worth something. What is he worth to the Twins in 2021 or anyone else? He's not old, but he's not getting younger. Do you bet the bat rebounds to go along with defense and versatility? Marwin coming back on a cheaper 1yr wouldn't disappoint me. He's a fine ballplayer. But if the team really believes in Blankenhorn...and they protected him, played him a lot in both ST...Gonzalez may be more easily replaced than Adrianza. At least his bat. Experience and defense are still worth something. The Twins will have money coming off the books here and there, but will also lose the $10M from the Dodgers in the Maeda deal. How much do the Twins lose in 2020? What kind of payroll are they willing to deal with in 2021? (PLEASE, not another Pohlad's are cheap arguement)! There WILL be roster changes for many reasons. But the window of opportunity for this team is WIDE OPEN, regardless of how this season ends. And I have NO PROBLEM if the vast majority of this team comes back in 2021 with a milb season and a packed 40 man roster chomping at the bit to come up.

Can you provide additional information on Balazovic, Canterino and Barnes being added? I'd heard rumors MLB might allow additions to the reserve list but haven't heard a word of anything substantial. If this is true, very excited Balazovic gets a potential 2 month still, at least, in 2020. Little confused by adding Canterino unless they expect to fast track him in 2021. Barnes surprises me. He's done OK and has moved but seems to be a soft tossed curveball type. They must see something we don't as of yet.

I watched part of the game and listened to what I didn't see. (Deck project). Going to again toss my $.02 worth in comments: 1] The pen lost this game. That stinks! But sometimes, a guy just had a bad day. But EVERYONE had a bad day at once? Dick even made a comment on the broadcast that sometimes a guy has a bad day, but you expect SOMEONE to stop the bleeding. I'm not going to blame the bullpen games at this point as the pen not only won most of those games, but have continued to excel otherwise, even with a little juggling. And I think the rotation is starting to be healthy and settle in. The pen lost the game but I won't blast them. Sigh...baseball. 2] Encouraged by Hill. But unless he shows more, I'm thinking piggyback SP or long RP when crunch time hits. But he encouraged me a ton today. 3] I am a HUGE Eddie fan and supporter. I love his passion, his instincts, his arm his production, etc. And I accept that for every great 10 plays he makes there will be a couple bad ones. But his blatant base running mistake is unforgivable. I want to forgive him for the defensive mistake he made on the ball that bounced out of play and kicked back in off the wall. At that point, I was listening to the radio. Dan and Corey were both sure it was a ground rule double. Pretty sure when I switched back over to TV Justin was also surprised. Seemed the umps were the only ones who knew this weird rule. Should Rosario have known that rule, even as obscure as it is? Did Rocco? I want to forgive Eddie for that play, but I don't know if I can. Maybe he should have known. Maybe he should have continued the play regardless. I'm still blaming the pen for this loss, with no beat down, as ANYONE pitching effectively leads to a win. But it was a BAD DAY for Eddie even if you can forgive him for that one play. 4] From what I heard...didnt see...I was really disappointed in Astudillo today. I've watched him a lot behind the plate the last couple of seasons and found him solid back there. The other night he made some good stops. But I'm not going to blame the loss on the team's 3/4 catcher. We scored enough and played well enough to win, despite some mistakes. 5] I feel sorta sorry for Wade. It's up to him to prove he belongs. But he's been lost a bit in the shuffle of opportunity. The kid can play defense and he knows how to take a professional AB. He has decent speed, some pop, a great arm, good defense, but has yet to take that certain step forward. Is he about ready to? I hope so. He's had some great AB and that 3rd strike today was RIDICULOUS! 6] Rooker has impressed me thus far. He looks "ready" and has produced in SSS. I am cautiously optimistic. But his history is initial struggle at a new level and then figuring stuff out and adapting before raking. At worst, his time at the other complex and with the Twins now should be setting him up for 2021. My thoughts. It's still one game. Need to win Monday!

Always believed a prosoects age should never be a consideration. If a young 20yo comes up and shines and then slips or washes out did it matter he arrived so young? If a kid arrives 25-26yo and has a nice, solid or very good career, does it matter he arrived "late"? For example, on the Twins right now we have 2 tremendous players who were "late" arrivals in Donaldson and Cruz. I've always felt Rooker would be a solid ML player with the Twins, or someone else. And not just due to his power. He has produced and produced well at every level AFTER taking a little time to adjust. I hope be does well and provides a spark. But at least, his time now should help with any adjustments. The one thing that has confounded me, however, is that for a good all around athlete the reports are consistent that he is average defensively anywhere he's put. Average isn't bad by any means if you have a good bat. But it just seems his athleticism should allow for a better defensive player. Wish him tons of luck and hope for the best!

I believe I heard the Twins were the 7th playoff team beginning today due to that horrendous 6 game losing streak. If the Tigers won 1 game today I believe they would be at .500. So if 4 of 5 teams in the ALC are still in the hunt, does that mean the ALC is not as bad as thought? Does it mean the NLC is just that much worse? I mean, the wins are comjng from somewhere, right? Do we love and hate the 60 game season for all the drama that it is brining? Or do we now hate it that much more? Some quick thoughts and questions from today's DH: 1] We saw the long ball and we saw clutch hitting. We won. Are we happy with that or disappointed the bats went silent again and we missed opportunity? 2] Congrats to Rooker for his first games, first hit and first RBI. I wish he had gotten in front of the one sinking ball instead of trying for the big catch. 3] I get Rocco wanting to secure the win in the 1st game. I think I would have thrown Dobber another inning. 4] You can like Astudillo or not but having him available was important today. He was able to take over the C spot late in game 2 and made some nice stops back there. With Avilla back barking, he couldn't have been ready at any more important time. 5] I feel bad for Poppen, I don't think he was throwing badly. Seemed like bad luck. That happens. 3 more to go, and we ARE the better team. Now let's go prove it.

Baseball is virtually run by numbers and statistics. And we have so many of them that it can not only be confusing, but you can select which statistics you feel are worthy or support your arguement. So it is virtually impossible to fully argue, predict or agree. Now, the flip side of this...over time and not just a SSS...is that a pitcher or hitter can hover around a number like BABIP and see an abberation. We can then conclude that a cold spell SHOULD normalize and that player will rise or fall based on previous performance. We can dismiss BA for a hitter or ERA for a pitcher and say new metrics make them absolute. Maybe, maybe not. But if a hitter has a career BA of X, and a pitcher has a career ERA of X, but a season or 2, or even a bad month or 2, then that outlier means something doesn't it. IIRC, I heard Rogers's SO numbers were actually up this season. That's a good thing and a good number to measure. But his BABIP, as mentioned, is up above the norms he has produced. So you can therefore state he's good, even better in some measurables, but unlucky, or missing spots and having a bad year. I have always found that there is a "truth" that can't always be quantified in regard to statistics. Call it life, the human factor, karma, whatever. Things tend to balance out and reality is always somewhere in the middle of things. And let's be honest here, ANY statistical information for baseball this season will be at least somewhat inaccurate as it's based on a 60 game season as opposed to the normal 162. A couple bad weeks or an injury destroys your 2020 numbers. In a full season, it can end up being a blip.

Always found it interesting and humorous how some people downgrade Sano for not being a super star all the time. Despite some injury interruptions, we've seen what he can do. He appears to have really matured in regard to work ethic, dedication, etc. But he bad virtually ZERO time to ramp up. (Same for Buxton, FWIW). He will always SO a lot, but hello to the new age of MLB and a powerful bar, which is not really unique to power hitters. Where I really want to give him credit is his defense. Yes, I've seen him out of position a few times. Yes, I've seen him chasing foul ball pop ups where he should have been wearing bells and an orange vest to not collide and damage teammates. But I've also seen a former 3B make some great grabs. I've seen great stretches and great scoops. He's still learning the nuances of 1B. Did anyone expect greatness his first year there? I have been so very impressed by his play that I think he could be a a fixture there for the next few years.

Jury is still out. I agree. But this pen was being built last season in the 2nd half. And we've added pieces since then. (Man I feel sorry for and miss Littell). And we've added more since last season. And the Twins wouldn't be where they are right now without the pen, despite a few hiccups recently. (Normal or over-used I'm not certain) A great pen is never a great pen until they prove it. So far, I think they have. But we really won't know for sure until the season plays out. I'm starting to feel good about the rotation at this point, and wasn't a week and a half ago. And that could go a long way to establishing this pen for what we hope and believe they could be.

I am ever the optimist. I think everyone here knows this. And I have been very impressed thus far with both these guys and am completely surprised by Thielbar. And I really like this OP and the breakdown. But for a moment, let me also play devil's advocate. I made a half joking half serious comment in a game thread a week or so ago that despite being less "hairy" and not throwing from such a low angle, that Wisler might be another Romo. And he just might be. But Romo has been doing this for some time and has obviously made adjustments over his lengthy career. Wisler is younger and throws harder. Last I heard, his FB rests anywhere from 92-94ish, but lacks control and maybe movement. He needs to be able to rely on it once in a while to throw off the batter. Can he do that consistently? On top of that, most high end RP still have a back pocket 3rd pitch they at least "show" once in a while to keep the hitter guessing. Can he throw a change once in a while or develop a cutter or split to advance to the next level of dependability, if not dominance? SSS thus far and we will see. On the opposite side of things, velocity, age and arm, we have Thielbar. The statistics provided are outstanding. The video clips and early results are encouraging. Everything he has done over the past few seasons converting himself from a mediocre SP with control to a high spin rate RP is a fun and wonderful story. (Still no clue why Detroit didn't hold on to him. Behind the analytical times?) He hasn't looked the part of a 33yo re-tread thus far. But can he maintain that spin rate and movement with control over the long haul? Again, we're talking a SAW. Don't get me wrong. I'm encouraged by both, especially Wisler, with youth and velocity on his side and even greater potential. I think this FO and the coaching staff are very savvy. I'm just playing devil's advocate here.

100%. Rooker has to be added to the 40 man this off-season. And I'd really like to see him get a shot if possible. Personally, I would expect his normal MO of struggling at first, then making adjustments, and then taking off. But who knows, he could provide a real spark. But the 40 man is not filled with fodder. A decent ballplayer has to be cut to make room for him at this point hoping be does well and can make a difference. Now, that changes if there is a IL candidate. And I think we can all agree we hope that doesn't happen. My biggest concern right now is Arraez. He's playing on a bad knee and still starting to hit better. He's not going to be close to 100% until next year. Donaldson is key not only for defense, offense and intensity, but be allows Marwin and Adrianza to be the role players that they are. I am much more interested in Blankenhorn, already on the 40 man, to maybe come up and fill in than I am Rooker.

Don't care if it turned out to be a blowout of not, couple great innings from Alcala and Smeltzer. Thinking Kepler had a cramp. Hoping that is all it is. Arraez has been playing through a bad knee all season. Again hoping it was a mild tweak of the same injury and not something worse. HATE no Twins game tomorrow while spending father and son time with my dad. HAPPY everyone gets a day off to rest and recuperate. Gave away game 1. Won games 2 and 3. Time to get on a roll.

Yeah, adding Verlander was a small and surprising addition, huh? I don't know. There are a lot of guys listed here who helped. But for every Verlander, there is a Hudson or Pearce, etc, who does something special. Baseball history is filled with guys who stepped forward in a 7 game series to make a difference. Some were acquired, some were already on their respective teams. But even if some of those acquired players shined in their moments, the team still wouldn't have been there without the nucleus of the team already intact. But other than Clevinger and the Diamonbacks closer...forgetting his name at the moment...where was a difference maker moved? How could ANYONE predict any of the players moved over the last 2 days could suddenly rise up and be a hero? You just can't. But you CAN, IMO, speculate that a really good team...despite a recent, AWEFULL, 6 game losing streak...can get much better by just getting back Donaldson, Buxton, Hill and Pineda. Hopefully Odorizzi and Stashak soon as well. Get all that back and the hitters, hopefully, make a few more adjustments over the next few weeks, and where and how would any trades have made a difference? Just my opinion.

Sorry, but I got really nostalgic the last couple of innings tonight, and emotional, when Bert told a couple of stories and Dick said goodbye to their on-air partnership and then they showed the players paying tribute.

1] I will dispute the tie. (Of course it could happen) I still don't buy in to the Sox pitching or the Indians offense. The Twins are still the best team overall. While it will be close, I'm trusting health to move the Twins to 1st place over the next 3 weeks. 2] Pineda? He picked up where he left off last season. That CAN NOT be understated! Maeda has consistently been good to great. Berrios is finding his groove, FINALLY. Hill is showing real flashes. If he can just stay healthy for what I believe may be his final year, he can still be a difference maker for 5 IP. I don't care if Pineda is our best SP for September. I'm feeling very good right now with our rotation heading in to October. And that rotation makes the bullpen that much better. 3] The 28 man roster should allow for Rooker. We could use another RH bat. At this point, between 2019 AAA production when healthy and HOPEFULLY a good time spent in St Paul, he is basically a September "call up". Buxton and Donaldson mean more. But there could be a lift provided by Rooker. 4] Donaldson could be huge. More than Buxton? I don't know. But Donaldson not only provides offense...and did immediately tonight...but provides defense and a spark of intensity, but also allows Marwin and Adrianza to fit better in to their roles. If you didn't hear the pre-game, Donaldson stated he wasn't quite right and shouldn't have played right before he went on the IL. And he feels great in everything he is doing now. He absolutely makes a difference. 5] Shame on you Cooper for not including Buxton. He's going to need to work more on strengthening his shoulder in the offseason. IMPO, the Twins were being extra cautious playing the long game in a short season and I predict he will be ready to go most days, with Cave filling in here and there, and make a real difference offensively and defensively, especially when October comes around.

I would like to see the article expanded to include the NLC. After all, this season is much like the throwback days when there was no inter-league play. Honestly, there is no way to compare the East and the West in comparison. Right now. 2020, do we really know the Ray's, the A's, etc are really better than the Twins, Indians or Dirty Sox? No. We just don't. And we won't know until all is said and done. And that's part of the intrigue for this season. Yes, I'm a homer. 100%. And maybe the Twins, and other teams, are built better for a long season or short season. 2020 is based on attrition, hot streaks, and who can make adjustments soonest/best. Give me a healthy Twins team making at least SOME plate adjustments over the next few weeks and I like their chances as much as anyone.

I knew it was coming, but I'm really sad about this. Yes, his schtick and some "grumpy old man" stuff got a little tired. But grumpy old man meant he was also being honest in his evaluations and opinions. I enjoyed his humor and perspective. Just last night he was commenting about a different stance and plate approach of one of the hitters. And I was thinking to myself, "this guy is still sharp and engaged and yet some say he should already be gone." He never took himself too seriously, had a great sense of humor and was never afraid to poke fun of himself. I can't recall the exact quote, but a Twins pitcher was having an outstanding game last season and then allowed a HR. Dick's comment was essentially: "Must be hard to give up a HR like that." Bert: "Not for me. I did that over 300 times in my career." My favorite broadcasts in 2019 were Dick and Bert and Kaat in the booth. Stories, humor and perspective were flying through the mic. Bert was a real pro, knows the game well and enjoyed having fun. He should be cherished. I know I will miss him greatly, for nostalgia if nothing less. Bert, you are forever "circled" as a Twins ICON!

Maeda was a talented SP on a good team with a deep SP staff. They moved him to the pen late in the season and playoff time because they could afford to do so. The Twins saw a quality starter they could add who was already good and proven, but who they felt could take his game up a notch. They saw his stuff and production, and the best season he had against LHB, and felt they could tweak what he had. Johnson and the Twins have altered his repertoire and sequence and have him dialed in as effective and maybe even more so than he has ever been. Doesn't mean he is an elite ACE that we all wish for and debate about. But he is absolutely proving to be a high quality SP.