DocBauer

Let me begin by stating I love ALMOST everything about this lineup. I will also state that it's about impossible to put together a bad lineup with this team! As DannySD stated, 3 guys alone who could hit leadoff. A couple comments about this proposed lineup: A] Polanco sliding down to #5 is very interesting as he provides another table setting option while still producing RBI. B] A little torn on swapping Garver and Rosario between the 7 and 8 spots. Garver is probably the better hitter with equal power, though he won't play daily, giving away to Avila here and there which supposes an obvious swap. But I wonder if the better pure hitter and better contact of Garver at 8 between Rosario and Buxton doesn't make better sense? My proposed ideal lineup with notes: 1] Arraez 2] Polanco *I want these two, very tough outs and high contact who wear out pitchers are amongst the toughest hitters in the league, to set the table while still being productive themselves. 3] Cruz 4] Donaldson *Donaldson has been very productive in the 2 spot, he's also been very productive in the 3 and 4 spots as well. He and Cruz have TONS of RBI opportunity in these spots. 5] Kepler *I LOVE Rosario and am a fan. His RBI conversion percentage in 2019 was excellent, despite fighting injury the 2nd half of the season. I believe a portion of his overly aggressive nature was being in the 4 spot and told to make hard contact and make things happen and not worry too much about BB and the such. My opinion. But Kepler has just as much power and production capability and is the more disciplined hitter. 6] Sano. *Production wise, he may be as good or better than Cruz or Donaldson. But somebody has to slide down to balanice and stagger the lineup. The more experienced Cruz and Donaldson get the higher spots. 7] Rosario 8] Garver *As stated above, I can easily swap these 2 as Garver has the more compact swing and better eye with just as much power. But I am sandwiching in his better approach between Rosario and Buxton. 9] Buxton *Ultra talented and extremely dangerous if he ONLY duplicates what he did in 2019 and doesn't improve. He and Garver turn the lineup over and provide ample opportunity for Arraez and Polanco. Just my opinion for the most balanced #1 lineup choice.

Just my own personal opinion, FWIW. Management has basically brought back everyone from ST 1.0 for an extra look-see. Makes sense. And while there is tons of depth here and options available, I could see a cut or two and then an addition or two. My understanding is additions can still be made after a cut. Gearrin just doesn't interest me other than an emergency RP with some ML experience. But, I will give that he and a few other guys are here, even without a milb season to help Rochester, simply due to additional depth due to injury or illness outbreak. I think we all know this. Thielbar is the same. Including Chacin, there are 5 AAAA arms brought in for depth and to see if they could help. I would not be surprised to see a couple let get for other additions. Let us not forget the overall depth of the current 40 man in this discussion. Clay is interesting. He was a high draft choice from the previous FO who performed so-so. He was converted to reliever status when the new FO took over. He has still been so-so, but has shown a bit more life as a RP. They obviously see something worth investigating. 27yo? Who cares if he embraces and fits that role in a quality manner for 4-6yrs. Then again, he could be gone a year from now. But he's an interesting inclusion. I am so happy Colina was included! I get he's under 6'. But not every quality pitcher is 6' 3"+ and 220lbs with long arms and legs. Can you bring it? Can you pitch? This guy might not be tall, but he's built and he can bring it. He has produced at every level. Other than K per 9, which surprises me considering stuff, his milb numbers are good to great. The fantasy part of me wants the Twins to work with him and find SOME sort of change that works for him. Much like Chalmers, if they do, they have a legitimate rotation arm to work with. If they only partially succeed, they have another power arm to develop over the next season or so to add to a great bullpen.

Nick...jaded, pessimistic Minnesota fandom creeping in or what? Sheesh! And I thought I was bad! (Though my greatest angst is with the Vikings and remains so). I'm voting status quo for now as I just really see no reason to change what brought you this far. However, I haven't taken time to look up previous results for Oddo or "handedness" of the Rays lineup. Perhaps that would make Wood a better choice in a potential game 4? Regardless, with our lineup and bullpen, and a piggyback ootion like Oddo or Wood, I stick with what works and don't pitch anyone on short rest. You have to win today to play tomorrow when then playoffs come around...but...you can't be short-sighted. You want a strong and rested Berrios for the 2nd round unless the train comes off the rails.

And the point I've been making despite being deservedly bashed some on my rough, napkin scribbling math.

All the more reason we have to hope there will be some sort of fall league or the Twins...being so forward thinking these days...will find a way to adapt and lengthen and deepen the competition for some sort of EST after the season.

Agree fully on Cavaco and Javier. Both so young and full of promise and need a chance to play, and stay healthy in Javier's case. Good calls on Wells and Badoo coming back from injury as well as Leach. Top prospects/draft choices and one well regarded pitching prospect that all lose a crucial year. Balazovic makes no sense to me. In a normal year, he's probably in Rochester by the end of the year and knocking on the ML door early 2021 at the latest. So because it's not a normal year they would just give up a year to their top pitching prospect? I don't buy it. There's still a spot left. If I understand things, guys can still be cut/waived and replaced. Don't know why he hasn't been added yet but can only speculate he's being told to stand by until a cut comes, or perhaps he's ill and the Twins are keeping it under wraps and waiting for him to recover.

5' 10" and around 170lbs. Athletic and supposedly fast. Plays SS and CF. Positive numbers in some tournaments, but such a SSS that they mean little. Found an opinion article a year old or so that spoke of his athleticism and that college recruiters might take notice. And that is pretty much all I could find on him. Not saying he couldn't turn out, but appears to be a young athlete with limited exposure who is an inexpensive flier. Unfortunately, also appears to be a year away from any sort of Rookie ball to look at.

Find myself suddenly wondering if the Saints or any other of these teams would "scrimmage" the Twins reserve roster while preparing for their seasons? Further, some of the teams in that league won't be playing. Hmmm...could they be hired as a scrimmage team, extra bodies to help around the facility and earn a paycheck at least? Just trying to think outside the box. FWIW, I believe it is the Nashville franchise that is taking the lead with others to create their own quasi independent/milb season. If successful, I wonder at milb players from other organizations being allowed to sign on. Of course, there could be pay and injury clauses that may prevent them from doing so.

Like your post but not sure if I want to agree or disagree. Love and believe in Kirilloff. I think he's going to be very, very good. Would love to see him make a mark. But if he does in this short season, means someone got hurt or sick, and I'm hoping we can avoid either of those. So I am going to politely agree and disagree with your projection.

Over on Twins wins. Minimum 35, but I'm banking on 38 and the target should be 40. I would seriously have a target board of some sort in the locker room for fun and motivation ala Major League. I don't know if that's TC Bear in a bikini or the WS trophy, but have fun with it. Under on Arraez AB. It may be a sprint, but Rocco will rest and rotate still. Barely under. I'm taking the over on Rogers but his IP won't match the same pace as last year. Won't have to with a deep pen. Not touching the Rosario debate, even though I think Rocco really likes him in the 4 hole. And while opinions vary, he produced there in 2019. In fact, he had a very high RBI conversion rate even with a lesser second half. But honestly, can you build a poor lineup with this roster? A strong arguement can be made for Kepler and Polanco remaining at the top. But it's also very easy to argue Arraez filling one of those spots and dropping someone down. Does Donalson really hit 2nd? Or is he better with more runners on base? Yet, the bottom of the lineup should offer opportunity as well. Do you really want Donaldson, Cruz and Sano all in a row? Why not have Rosario breaking that group up? Or Kepler if he slides down and offering better contact than Rosario? You see the quandary here. Guys like Garver and Rosario/Kepler could be hitting 7th and 8th and that is no insult, just a reflection of how deep the lineup is and what combination Rocco feels best with. Personally, I've always liked the "stacking" approach where I have 2 guys at the top who can hit, get OB, provide a spark with pop/power and speed would be nice. Two guys who just set the table and wear out the pitcher. Kinda sounds like Arraez and Polanco doesn't it? And then you stagger Cruz, Donaldson, Sano, Rosario, Kepler and Garver before Buxton in the 9 spot. A nightmare lineup for pitchers!

I wish they could add another 20, but then you're opening a further pandora box concern health issues as well as the "well why not have a milb season" debate again. With good health, you still have 30 guys to play simulated games, though some could be forced to play other positions at times. And do you have ghost runners as Trov brought up, or additional Twins staff run the bases? I'm sure they will find a way to play live scrimmage games of some sort.

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.