DocBauer

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.

Generally agree. Just my $.02 worth. What Garver did at the plate in 2019 is virtually impossible to sustain. We are talking HOF all time great numbers. So regression is/was inevitable. But he does have good power. He has a great eye and a compact swing. He has hit everywhere from college, through the minors, and even his rookie season in 2018. While 2019 will probably be an outlier of a season, I fully believe his results thus far in 2020 are also a huge outlier. There are a ton of guys thus season throughout baseball that just don't have their timing and approach in sync. Garver needs to adjust as pitchers have adjusted. We may not see the real Garver until 2021. Though I hope that isn't true and he finishes strong. Jeffers has impressed me despite the bat being so-so thus far. I think It's telling he was brought up instead of Telis, who has shown a good bat in AAA and has ML experience. Had it been Avilla who got hurt, I wonder if Jeffers would still have been the choice? Depth is always important. Avilla is solid in many ways. And he's cheap. And he would be cheap on a re-sign. I wonder if he might be brought back next season for depth purposes? I wouldn't be opposed to it, that's for sure. And that is no knock on Jeffers at all! For now, you and I are going to agree to disagree on Astudillo. I watched a lot of the games he played in 2018 and 2019. I think the guy can hit. Despite poor final numbers last season, there were stretches, when healthy, where be was putting the bat on the ball pretty well. Unfortunately, he was injured twice and could never find consistency. Behind the plate, he is nothing special to be sure. But what I've seen is a solid backstop who is "quiet" behind the plate and seems to know what he is doing. At other spots, the terms "solid" and "OK" come to mind. I find value in that if the bat can prove solid, as I expect, especially with a 26 man roster going forward in 2021 and beyond. Unfortunately, any chance to show his worth is going to probably be lost here in 2020.

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.

You could have and should have done a "ditto" for Larnach in reference to Kirilloff. I think disappointment leads to speculation and hope that one of these guys could somehow replace Kepler or Rosario. Come on! But the Rooker opinion is smart and right on. He has to be added to the 40 man after this season. Isn't there some move available to do so now? I hate his age discussion! Not everyone is a 21-23yo prospect ready to come up and kill it. There are a plethora of guys who are 24-25 when they are ready and do well. And as stated, he adjusted to AAA after a few weeks...which has been his constant...and did well before injury. No offense to Wade, who is "struggling" for opportunity/consistency, but he is behind Cave. Rooker should absolutely get a shot as a RH bat at this point. I don't think Vargas was a bad cash acquisition. I don't think he is a bad ballplayer. He might even have a future here. But I would say that with Arraez fighting through a bad knee, even with Donaldson coming back, maybe it's time for Blankenhorn to get his shot. He's already on the 40 man, has shown flashes, and can fill in at several spots.

I gave ZERO doubt the short ramp up has affected our hitters. I say that with confidence based not on simple speculation, but we've seen MANY good hitters across baseball struggle or start slow. But what jumps out to me is a couple things I've heard recently. Gleeman spoke on the podcast a couple days ago that many of the normal statistics in regard to last season are surprisingly the same. (Skipping details). There was also a comment that Rowson leaving didn't change the central philosophies already in place, FWIW. I caught part of the Tuesday pre-game with an interview with a ML reporter...forget who now...who stated many of the same things. But he stated a couple key points that caught my attention. 1] For whatever reasons, Kepler and Rosario are FAR behind their previous production against LHP. When Buxton, Garver and Donaldson are out, that difference becomes magnified when Schoop and Cron numbers are considered from last season. 2] I don't recall the exact numbers, so forgive me. But he essentially stated the Twins were seeing something like 10-15% fewer FB than last season. So the opposition has adapted so the Twins hitters were now needing to adapt. He felt the Twins hitters had the ability to do so...maybe playing to his audience, maybe not...and also commented how few total AB each player had. This meaning, in a normal year, slumps and adjustments would normalize. I agree. The problem is, we have about a month left in the rest of THIS season. So it may not be coaching. It may not just be health and attrition. It may be more about who can make adjustments the most quickly.

Agree with Ash that I think you might have meant post season. But we are on the same page. I don't know how we possibly fit Kirilloff, Larnach and Rooker all in sometime soon. At least there is no reason or pressure to have to do so now, or in 2021. Lewis can be thrown in there too, but positionally speaking it's a different story, of course. But despite disappointment this far, does cutting someone from the 40 man to bring up a rookie like Larnach or Kirilloff or Rooker INSTEAD of Kepler or Rosario really make the team better??? I get Cave being really disappointing. In disappointed to. We're seeing the first half of 2019 version of Cave, not the 2nd half version, or even the 2018 version. But his defense has been much improved and has allowed Kepler to remain in RF. That's not small. On the 40 man, talented, given a long look in ST, I would be in favor or Blankenhorn getting a shot at 2B, and other spots, to give Arraez a break and see if his bat could help.

Agree on Lewis. To me, he is untouchable based on talent, potential, and his HEALTHY end to the season in the AFL. He could end up at SS or 3B and MAYBE at CF. (Betting he stays in the infield). I believe he comes up initially due to injury somewhere. I believe he plays multiple spots as a super utility player because he can. Going to disagree on Jeffers. Astudillo, I believe, may not be ramped up just yet. Regardless, the Twins believe in his defense. I think their belief has been warranted from what we've seen this far. And they believe he has the ability to at least survive if not contribute with the bat.

Well, I guess it's settled. Reiff is back. That might be a good thing? At least it provides continuity for a team with ZERO proven at G. Apparently, if Reiff declined, O'Neill would be the LT and Udoh and Hill would fight at RT. Presumably, Ckeveland would be developed and see what happens next year. I think it's a forgone conclusion Reiff will be gone in 2021 and there will be more changes. Nothing against Reiff, and I hate to shake things up so close to the beginning of the season, but part of me wishes they would/could have begun the transition now.

I am very glad to have Lewis, as well as Kirilloff, Larnach, Rooker, Duran Jeffers and others working out, working with coaches, scrimmaging as best they can vs sitting home and working out on their own. But asking them, or expecting them, to basically skip from AA ball to MLB without actually playing real games during a real season is really panning for fools gold isn't it? The Twins felt Jeffers was the best option to replace Garver. He's been OK so far, which I think to be huge praise. Feeling the other prospects aren't ready to come up and make a difference doesn't demean their value or potential at all. Jts just saying "are they really better than what is on hand, despite some struggles taking place?" I think the answer is "not yet". Now, Rooker, older and with success at AAA, I could make an honest arguement for. He also has to be added next off-season as well. I could also honestly argue that Blankenhorn, already on the 40 man, could be a viable option to look at in the infield. He had a decent ST, IIRC. But again, is be ready for the jump? Maybe jts worth a shot. The guy I feel bad for is Gordon. We probably don't acquire Vargas if Gordon was healthy. He missed a shot last year, and he's missing a shot now,

Speculation is always fun, and your team actually making a move brings out debate and hope and conversation. But I never really expected much to happen and I'm OK it didn't. And while I haven't gone line by line through everyone that did get moved today, I really don't see anyone of great value that would have made a difference. (Leaving Clevinger out if the discussion as that never would have happened anyway.) Look, I'm in favor of good and aggressive moves to help the Twins. And I'm OK sending out some quality prospects for addition. Maeda, for example, has been great, even though it cost a big arm for the pen. But pen depth hasn't been a problem, it's been injuries and a team out is sync right now. I don't see much of anything moved today that would have made any difference. Well, let me take tbat back slightly and say I still think Pillar would have been smart. He would have given us a decent, experienced RH bat who could platoon with Cave or Wade at worst. There are no guarantees, of course, but coming back...reportedly...are Donaldson, Buxton, Odorizzi, Smeltzer and Pineda. Not sure what to think about Littell. Is he snakebit this year or is there something deeper going on? But how do you top having those guys back? Where is the room even for someone else unless it was BIG move that nobody made. (Again, except for Clevinger). This is still the same pundits and we fans loved so much to begin the year. I think you ride it out and hope/expect guys to simply perform to reasonable expectation.

Want to take a moment to also reflect on a few more spots. CB: IF what we are hearing is true, this spot will be young, inexperienced, and make mistakes. But it is LOADED with talent and potential! There are even a couple of guys who could, hopefully, slip though waivers and make the PS with potential. S: I remain worried that $ will prevent us from keeping Harris beyond this year. And that would a shame as well as provide a huge hole going forward. The Parker signing could/should help with depth. I'm hearing Metellus looks OK. But I'm still a little worried here. WR: A healthy Thielen is a stud. Most WR, even super talented ones usually need some time to develop and really fit in. Jefferson is uber talented and early reports are he looks good...never forget he had ZERO rookie camp or OTA's...and he should at least contribute and help. My greatest optimism has been Kubiak fully in charge now and utilizing all available talent to the best of their ability. I have no illusions that Johnson will become a stud. But he impressed me as a rookie. "Reports" are that he has really grown and developed nicely. I hope this is true. I still see his ceiling as a very good #3, but there is tremendous value in that! Sharpe is big, long, has some experience, has talent, and could be OK, especially with a change of scenery. But unless I have missed something, I haven't heard any glowing reports. I HAVE heard what SEEM to be glowing reports about Beebe and Hollins. But we've heard good reports about Beebe before and then we see either injury or nothing. Third time is the charm? Hollins is interesting to me due to length and athleticism and a great career at a lower level. They thought enough of him to keep him and play him last year. And the Vikings have an interesting and amazing history of finding and developing WR talent that are late round picks or rookie FA. Witness Thielen and Diggs as just a couple examples. I've heard little to nothing about Osborn or anyone else. That may mean nothing at all considering no camps, no preseason games and limited media access. I remain scared and skeptical about the WR position, but guardedly optimistic they may be putting together a decent crew here. OL: This concerns and borderline scares me, but fills me with confusing optimism. Reif is nothing but experienced and average. All of us know he's gone after this season unless he suddenly takes a step forward. But be should be servicable for one more year, especially with a 2nd year in this offense and with the OL coaching in the system. I have very high hopes for Bradbury. O'Neill is already a stud and should be a Pro Bowl player soon. Elflein should NOT be counted on at this point. But I do get no camps to work with other options so you are going to trust in experience at this point. I DO LIKE the mkv3e to RG. His run blocking is at least decent. With O'Neill next to him, and on the right side, his pass blocking should be at least a little better. SHOULD be being the key word. Left guard is a mess! Dozier is a decent fill in guy. Collins has talent and some potential, but has always been injured just as it looked like he might take a step forward. Where is Samia in this conversation? Is he suffering from no off-season camps? Or did we blow his selection? Udoh has so much potential the Vikings kept him on the active roster rather than losing him to someone else trying to sneak him to the PS. But like Samia, where is he? I won't give up on Samia at this point. Absolutely won't give up on the potential of Udoh. The optimistic part of me goes beyond hope of Elflein suddenly being productive again and some miracle for LG. My optimism is the Vikings OL will at least survive 2020. I am very hopeful for Cleveland next season as Reif will be gone. (Still confused about him playing LG right now). Still hoping for Samia and Udoh to take a step forward sooner or later. But I think Hinton will end up being a late round steal after a year of development. Guy has amazing talent and potential. I have a hunch Lacina will become a quality depth piece and was a great rookie FA signing. Brandel could become a multi position backup with time. It's really sad and scary to think the OL could be better next season after a year of development and progress from a large group of youngsters. But I'm hoping for the best for 2020 and have at least some optimism for 2021.