DocBauer

1] Pineda: Yes, it's like have g a trade acquisition and a flip of he and Hill had it been a normal season. I also have real concerns about Pineda's situation, but have spoken at length about it months ago, and in a recent Forum piece I started, so will leave it alone here. 2] Reserve Roster: I'm sure the Twins have a smart plan in place and I'm also very curious as to what that may involve. A couple days ago I proposed an idea of a 5 1/2 day week to establish preparedness, development and "normalcy". 3 days of simulated play, 2 days of side work, 1/2 day for meetings and video with optional extra work here and there, probably Saturday, with the rest of that day and Sunday off. 3] Romero: This is just weird. Does he not want to play? Did he not stay up on things? Is there just something going on we are not privy to that is restricting his visa? I'd really like to know. I think he could still have a future, but his future is passing him by for whatever reason. And that would be a shame. 4] 60 Man Roster: I'd still like some clarication here if anyone has it. It is my understanding that the 60 man roster can change, meaning guys can be let go and replaced. But is that only before the season starts? Only due to situations like trades? The whole purpose of the 60 man roster is for depth due to injury or illness, right? So I'm guessing you can't replace/add anyone due to those circumstances. Or can you but that player is now waived? I'd really like to understand this part better because I have a hunch a guy or two might be let go after ST 2.0 in favor of a prospect not yet on the 60 man.

I think Smeltzer could be an important piece as rotation depth, piggy backing or middle relief. I know he doesn't offer a great deal of experience at this point, or any pitch that is knockout, but I'd take what we've seen of him vs Coulombe any day. I get that this is a sprint season, and the last 2 months in particular may be managed as the stretch run to a season, but Coulombe is a guy you roster for spot action due to injury or illness. That's it. On top of that, Thorpe is an even better option, IMO. While I fully believe his future and the Twins intent is for him to remain a SP, he can reaĺy help in a variety of roles while preparing for 2021 and gaining experience now. Same with Garton. The Twins are just too deep in RH options for him to be a factor other than "break glass in case of emergency" scenario. I agree with brining Chacin back, despite his poor ST 1.0. He has legitimate ML experience. He was still really good in 2018. He's worth a second look in ST 2.0 to possibly fill a couple different roles. He's at worth bringing in. But again, there are a lot of younger, better looking arms potentially. It's my understanding that the 60 man can still change, though anyone removed is basically cut loose. I don't fully understand all the parameters. But if that is true, I could still see a guy or 2 or 3 being let go and bring in another arm or 2 or 3 to replace them. Again, not sure if the details involved.

2021 SHOULD be something close to a normal season. But what happens beyond that is a huge question at this point. And teams will have illness injury and shots at still winning in this short, weird and crazy 2020 season. However... 1] Does anyone really want to take on additional payroll with all the anticipated financial losses for 2020? Much less committing $ for the future? 2] Trading for a prospect you might like who is not playing right now might not initially sound like a huge obstacle, but you ARE probably losing development time for that player as of now. Further, teams will invariably know LESS about their OWN similar prospects that could be as good or better than those acquired. If you're a bottom team with no chance, this might not be a concern. 3] Trading for help this season is akin to making a trade about the end of May as the timetable is accelerated. Teams will still want to win. And yes, a 60 game sprint could push a few extra teams in to "buy" mode as they feel they have a chance. But the time frame for assistance is also limited, especially in regard to SP. You are trading for probably 5 starts, not including any post season opportunities. Does that get it done? Non contending teams may be really disappointed about trade opportunities. We could be surprised, of course, but I'm just not expecting much to happen here.

I would disagree. In regard to prospects being on the 60, each team is taking an individual approach. For instance, a team like Detroit may focus more on lower level prospects and draft choices than a contending team might consider. My understanding is the Twins are holding spots for prospects that are closer to reaching the majors and have a "reasonable" chance of contributing in 2020 or very soon. In other words, basically AA or higher. Balazovic would qualify, IMO, and may still be added. Not sure why he hasn't been yet unless there is a health concern or there is a delay in a visa from Canada due to current restrictions. But I don't believe the Twins have any intentions of moving him any time soon.

FWIW, sounds like Romero still has visa issues and is not being counted on. I offer no speculation/opinion other than to state what would seem obvious: either he has been lazy about staying on top of things, or he's not wanting to play any longer, or there is something illegal or nefarious taking place that is preventing him from obtaining a visa at this point. Just...weird and unexpected.

I can sort of understand no Romero, sort of, though I an disappointed. I think not including Balozovic is a huge head scratcher for me. Not only does he need and warrant the development time, but I could see his arm actually helping out due to injuries/illness.

I am also a huge Rosario fan. I have been since drafted and watching him through the system. There was an interesting OP, going back to ST if I recall correctly, concerning clutch production vs overall numbers. There have been arguments that "anyone" could have provided the same RBI totals in this lineup given opportunity. And maybe someone can remember and fin and post the OP link. But as I recall, the basis was Rosario, despite a weakened 2nd half of the season, still produced in high manner in RBI situations throughout 2019. I CAN'T STAND him snatching at balls he grabs! He sometimes tries too hard to make something happen. And despite his ability to be a "bad ball" hitter and yet get a big hit or HR, he still lacks discipline at the plate that robs him of what he could still be. All that being said, IMO, he is a fine OF who has battled a knee and shoulder problem each of the last 2yrs. Those injuries also robbed him of better offensive numbers that he could have produced, IMO, if fully healthy. I find it commendable for how much leadership Cruz is given for our team. But I think Rosario is not given enough props for his energy and instincts and production. But with all he does, there is still a feeling he could be even better. I'd like him to stick around. I think he will for 2021. And I will miss him if gone, but you just can't deny the ability of guys like Larnach and Kirilloff for the future.

My humble opinion despite not being the target of your question. And I have commented on this some time ago. Please understand I agree with punishment for breaking rules, whether deliberately done or not. But the punishment for Pineda was based on "normalcy". 80 games, then reduced as they believed his transgression was indeed accidental. Fine. But the punishment handed out was still based on a normal season. Terms of service time are being pro-rated for 2020 Despite it being a shortened season. Meaning 100% proration for service time despite what will now be less than half a full season. Pineda's suspension was originally half a season, or 50% of a season, carried out over 2019 and 2020. The lowering of his "sentence" comes out to approximately 43%, give or take. But with no proration for his punishment, he is now looking at something like 66% of games missed for 2020 ALONE. This doesn't even include games missed at the end of 2019. Combined, his punishment will now be well over 70% games penalized, which is not only more than his reduced number, but well over the original penalty guidelines. Again, OK with punishment. But how can you "award" extra service time on a prorated basis for some but "over punish" someone else in regard to the same abbreviated situation?

Something I was thinking about this afternoon when out for a run is exactly what you DO with these guys on a daily basis. They obviously can't be sitting around playing cards all the time. And I'm sure the Twins have a plan in mind. But it got me thinking. 30, then 32, then 34 guys who make up the taxi squad after rosters decrease over the first few weeks to 26 men. Only 3 guys travel on the road with the active team, which I now understand being the rule. (Wonder if the Twins are actually forced to carry a catcher since Astudillo should already be rostered? That is the rule correct?) I would hope/assume the remaining members would be working out with coaches and instructors on a daily basis. I would assume something like simulated games 3 days per week, 2 days per week doing bullpens and side throwing development/instruction while the position players work in the cages and defensive drills. A short Saturday for meetings and video, maybe a little side work here and there, but the rest of that day and then Sunday off. This would make a ton of sense to me. Keeps everyone sharp and furthers actual development in lieu of no milb season and any unknown fall league work.

Agreed. IMO, this team is just too good, too balanced and too deep to not be targeting 40 wins. It would take massive injuries, illness or meltdown not to make a serious run at that number.

Should still come down to the Twins and Indians. I firmly believe the Twins are the deeper and better team. Not being a downer or a pessimist here, just asking, but does not playing against some of the better teams in the East or West hurt the Twins come playoff time?

I think this roster makes sense and seems the most likely. I wouldn't sleep on Poppen. Just have a hunch he's the next young RP to step up. And ST 2.0 could offer up a reprieve for Chacin, who didn't look very good in version 1.0. I like this team A LOT!

But if the Twins win it all, it will make 2020 suck a little bit less. And if they do, I could care less what anyone who isn't a Twins fan thinks. Given the situation, they came out in top.

35-25 might get the division. But 40-20 sounds like the target I'd like to see and that I think this team is capable of.

I'm banking on Snell rounding back to form and riding a hot streak. You can still piggyback Pineda if you need to. WAY too much talent available to get crazy.

Without taking time to put pen to paper and really go in depth, I think Matt's and Seth's roster are both interesting and largely accurate. With 3 catchers already rostered, and Jeffers as an absolute addition, I'm really not sold on Graterol or Telis. Hopefully, the taxi squad will get hands on instruction and play some sort of simulated games. I like Seth's idea of Rortvedt getting developmental time as the 5th catcher. Never in a million years did I consider Javier as part of the 60 man roster. But I think it's a brilliant choice. Most, if not all, of the extra 20 guys selected will not see the field. Hopefully. So it's about coaching and development. Wander remains an enigma, but is also one of the most gifted players in the system. And he's had a run of injuries/bad luck. It makes so much sense to keep him around to work with him and get him ready for 2021. I hadn't thought about Ober before this OP. And he may or may not turn in to anything special. But healthy, his numbers are crazy good. Considering most, if not all of the "extra" 20 are about prospects, who are really included for development and potential emergency, why not let Johnson work with him and see what happens. I mean, we're talking about one of the last spots on the 60 man roster.

According to a report on mlb.com, each team will have a 3 man taxi squad with 1 player being a catcher. If this is true, then we might as well cancel the season now.

Just read an update on mlb.com concerning the proposed season. It makes no mention of expanded playoffs, which was proposed earlier and which I assumed was a given. Further, it speaks about a 30 man roster that reduces down to 26 after 4 weeks with a 3 man taxi squad that must include a catcher. I have taken no sides in this cluster mess, though I confess a slight 51-49 in favor of ownership just based on pure financial logic. But after everything we have heard and read of proposals and rosters and taxi squads comes down to a 30/28/26 man roster with only a 3 man taxi squad....then my opinion has shifted towards the players and I will call out the owners as complete idiots!! There is no milb season. We have no idea about effects of covid, much less normal injury. So we have a 3 man taxi squad? If this is factual, then just call the season off now! This is an absurd joke if true.

I don't want a 60 game season. I still want 82 games. But I will take what I can get, as will the rest of us. But barring big injuries, or covid outbreak, even with hit streaks and slumps, I do believe 60 games is enough for the cream to rise to the top. The Twins were one of tbe best teams in all baseball last year despite the finish. They have done nothing but improve and deepen the roster since then. They have a powerful, dangerous and productive lineup. They have depth everywhere. It appears they have a strong pen and a solid, deep rotation. The one ongoing "complaint" is lack of a true ACE SP. But while I felt an adjusted routine, as well as experience/maturation would give Berrios his best season yet, a 60 game season should allow him to shine. And, as already pointed out, Oddo had a great season, really finding himself, and would have been a legitimate ACE and Cy Young candidate over half a season. Berrios would received votes as well I'm sure. Now we add Maeda and hopefully Hill for a half season along with depth, I think the rotation holds its own against most anyone. My concern, strictly from wanting the Twins to do well and win it all, is the expanded playoffs, echoing Ash's concern. The Twins could legitimately go 40-20 or 45-15 But face a lesser team in a short series that they just don't match up well against and lose out. Unfortunately, it's not an uncommon phenomena for a great team having a great season but a lesser team, even having a losing season, just has a team's number at times. I think we have a tremendous team with as good of a chance as anyone. I just really wish we had 82 games and a normal playoff for something close to a "normal" season.

I posted shortly after the draft that there was a common theme regarding all 3 position players drafted, in addition to other "corner" type players drafted in the past few years with our FO and revamped scouting department. You obviously want and need some HIT ability. Pure "80" power does nothing if you can never put the bat on the ball. But it appears the Twins look for power and potential power with BB ability and will live with some SO. Think Sano. Sano has great power, but can hit. He also takes BB and usually maintains a solid to high OB despite his SO totals. Sabato is pretty young, so I don't expect a fast track being a 21yr old sophomore, but who knows maybe. I live his approach and the mentorship his hitting instructor gave him. Despite not being a versatile player...in the least...not every player on your roster has to have positional versatility. There is absolutely room for a quality 1B/DH only who can hit and mash. I'd like to think that coaching, work and repetition can turn him in to at least a decent fielding 1B.

All for giggles, but my knee jerk ranking when the draft was done as as follows: 1] Matt 2] Seth 3] Steve 4] Ted 5] Cody 6] Jeremy According to Zips I was way off on Seth and Jeremy, but really close everywhere else. (A couple of my rankings were only a point apart). But I am curious about Zips and their career projections. Are these milb career projections or a deeper crystal ball projection to ML careers?

I mentioned this in a post elsewhere, but a couple weeks ago on national radio a journalist, Heyman I believe it was, stated he had read the March document and it contained a provision to open dialogue again as more information was gained, such as no fans in attendance.

Despite velocity issues with Stankiewicz, how can you possibly ignore his incredible production? And velocity isn't everything. Being able to PITCH is is still paramount. Not everyone can do that. If they could, well then there would be a bunch of guys on fliers we recently had who would still be here. And hopefully, Stankiewicz, and his big frame, will find another notch or two uptick with his velocity along with everything else he bas to prove a steal. But a young college LHP with that frame and some decent stuff to work with? My vote for #1 post draft FA signed. Great interview!

There really is no progress. Both sides are entrenched not for 2020, but already looking forward to the next CBA. And I think we all recognise this. I'm really worried about the future of MLB and I absolutely blame both parties. Instead of nurturing the golden goose, each side wants to hunt it, claim it, and have it dressed up as a delicacy to their liking. I miss baseball so much I can't even describe it. The world is just better when there is Baseball. Today stunk, but there is always another game tomorrow. Game threads, box scores, milb games and numbers, discussions, a game on the car radio with static, I miss it all. Forgive me, but I'm so pissed at both sides and their posturing and short-sightedness that I almost want the season cancelled. Maybe then both sides would come back in 2021 with tails between their legs and less ego and posture and realize they need one another. Damn! I miss watching a game with my dad and just talking baseball! IF they play some sort of season this year, I admit I will watch and root. And no matter what happens, I will look forward to 2021 and a hopeful full season of both MLB and MILB. But I will know, in the back of my mind, that 2022 is basically a fantasy. Every other sport is working through issues to make their sport work. Except baseball. They are mired down in posturizing on both sides for today and tomorrow that they can't see the forest through the trees. And NEITHER SIDE seems to have the ability to look at the success of other sports to realize what a common framework of cooperation could bring. So I will watch and follow 2020 and what it brings. And I will do the same in 2021. And I will expect little or no baseball played in 2022. And I will watch both sides destroy a beautiful game and part of our ingrained society. And I will HOPE, beyond hope, that when players actually play, win, have fun, cash checks, fans rejoice, owners watch and enjoy, that each side will realize they need and want one another and want resolution that benefits everyone. Before it's too late.