DocBauer

Fun to have something interesting to talk about Vikings wise. The trade for Ngakoue is surprising to me, despite some speculation. He replaces Griffen, and puts Odenigbo in to the 3rd DE spot for now. Tremendous! And the trade cost is a borderline steal! I am worried about the financial implications going forward not only in regard to Cook, but the prosoects of losing Harris as well. Let's not forget that the salary cap is in serious question of actually lowering next season. And is Hunter going to need a re-worked deal soon also? But for now...WOW! I'm really mixed about DT. For whatever reason, the coaches love and believe in Stephen at NG, even though some believe the younger Johnson played pretty well there as a reserve last season and may be starting to take a step forward. But at least Shamar isn't playing the 3 spot any longer. Really, really hoping Watts and Lynch push Johnson HARD at the 3 and maybe the younger and more athletic Johnson pushes Shamar out of the NG spot. Mata'afa shows rezl potential as a reserve, but was poorly used last season as a pass rush NG option. But with the sudden depth at DE, is there even room for Mata'afa on the roster? I love this move and embrace it even though it concerns me financially for the salary cap next season. But the DL got better today!

Listen.....do you hear that? Of course you don't. What you are NOT hearing is a Twins batter, other than Cruz, making hard contact and hitting a ball somewhere they ain't. Look, I'm one of the biggest and most devoted Twins fans you will ever find. And I have been for over 45yrs through thick and thin, through static fill radio broadcasts and milb news through publications no longer in existence to the advances in internet access. And I remain an eternal optimist always. But this team is just not in sync right now. Period. Yes, 2020 is weird with ST 1.0 and 2.0 and illness and injury and a short, weird season. But it's that way for all teams. And I fully appreciate the guys missing via injury right now. But the talent on the field and mound vs the Tigers was still better and still good enough to win. But other than Cruz and Sano, nobody is producing at the plate. Yes, Cave and Marwin and Adrianza have been leaned on more than expected. But each has proven to be better than what we are seeing. I'm not going to get down on Dobnak after one bad start, or May and Duffey having one bad day. The timing sure stunk though. I am NOT in favor of the team doing anything to sacrifice the future...whatever it holds considering there are financial pitfalls the next few years and serious labor situations to work through...bht I'm OK making some smart moves if available. The rumored Bundy interest could make huge sense since he helps now and 2021. I read an interesting notion this past week that the Red Sox could be an interesting trade partner for Pillarm who would cost next to nothing as a veteran rental to help in the OF and provide insurance for Buxton as well as a veteran RH bat. The article proposed a larger trade, however, for Pillar and either RHRP Barnes, or perhaps LHRP Josh Taylor who has multiple years of control left. I could get behind this kind of seemingly low leverage trade in either suggestion; Pillar or a Pillar and Taylor move. Again I can get behind Bundy as well, as long as the cost makes sense, as we have an extra year of control. Vargas for cash was an OK move. He's an OK player who is no Adrianza with the glove, but could, maybe have a future depending on Gordon getting and staying healthy. But it cost nothing but $. But I have little belief that Gordon will be ready to contribute until 2021 with his late start this year. Is it time to let Blankenhorn, already on the 40 man, get a shot to help at 2B and 3B? Getting back home could help. Donaldson coming back could provide a huge jolt even if he takes a few games to get in a groove. (Also allows Marwin and Adrianza to be role players). But some kind of spark is needed right now. There is no dance party instigator or naked locker room walker on the roster. But there is talent and unity and professionalism all around. But someone needs to step forward. Sometimes a team needs to be tweaked, whether it be lineup, usage, a trade, a call up, whatever. But this team is just too good and too talented to not step up. Doesn't mean a trade or two can't make this team even better or provide that spark.

Just to clear, the Twins biggest needs are getting their own guys back first and foremost. Honestly, a week from now, Pineda, Donaldson, Buxton, Garver, Stashak, Odorizzi and Littell back could jump start the entire team in various ways. Secondly, someone not named Cruz or Sano suddenly producing at the plate from the healthy bodies on hand would also help tremendously. I still don't believe anyone, including the Twins, will pull off a MAJOR trade that produces headlines. But it doesn't mean you can't tweak the team. I like Cave quite a bit as a 4th OF. He brings a lot to the table in that role. And I've been impressed by his defensive improvement. But his bat has been ice cold. I know he's been facing a lot of LH pitching of late, but he just looks lost. I think a veteran RH bat like Pillar makes so much sense, and should come cheap. I don't think the Twins NEED another RP, but if they are going for it, then why not hedge your bets and make another inexpensive Dyson/Romo move like last year? There are various possibilities listed here on TD articles, and there have been package ideas floated on various sites about a package deal with Boston for a higher return. Not sure any INF help is really needed if reports of Donaldson feeling good and about to join the team are true. But if there is a solid piece out there that can help, and maybe even has another year or two of control, it should at least be considered. Again, I don't believe any WOW moves are coming in 2020 for anyone. And IMPO, I wouldn't look to trade anyone in the top 20 prospect wise. But I don't think you have to, unless there is a good package deal available. The system is deep enough to offer up some solid, lower level talent for improvement. Again think Dyson and Romo last year. I think added depth and options are warranted. A spark is definitely needed. But I still don't see a top prospect trade for a difference maker WOW trade taking place. Doesn't mean you can't improve.

Going to state the obvious, I'm not happy. The sky is NOT falling and winning 2 on Sunday will make everyone feel better. As would ripping off about 4 or 5 wins in a row. I forgive Dobnak for having a bad game. I can forgive/excuse May and Duffey for having an off day the same day. And I'm not trying to be insulting, but this is Detroit we are talking about! Donaldson, Buxton and Garver are out. We are not the only team with injuries. The lineup we are putting out there is not maximum, and not what anyone wants, but it's still more talented than the opposition. The lineup is simply not performing well lately, at all! I think the FO has done a great job of building this team and the organization as a whole. I think they have done a great job from the ML level on down in regard to managers, coaches, instructors and advisors. But did losing Rowson really affect the hitters this much? Is there something else going on here? I'm hoping this is a blip. But to see the talented players on hand flail and not perform lately to any expectation or previous production is frustrating and unexpected.

More or less, I think you are just about spot on. My biggest disappointments in the 60 game season has been so few games against the NLC, and too many games against the same ALC opponents bunched together. Why on earth couldn't the divisional games have been spread out more for each half? I'm still holding out hope for 40 wins with some guys coming back healthy.

1] 3 batter minimum: Of course, it's not quite that simple as a pitcher can also finish an inning. I don't know that I've seen many examples yet where it grossly affected a game. Of course, the Twins have a great pen so my perspective may be skewed. I do like not having multiple delays from multiple pitching moves mid inning. The game does seem to flow better. Come to think of it, while you do PH here and there, batters often have to adjust during the game to different pitchers. Maybe this is a natural change to the game. 2] DH: I've wanted this for years. It will be more interesting going forward when NL teams find their true DH hitters. Never liked pitchers flailing/failing. There isn't a lot of great strategy in asking someone to sacrifice because they have little to no chance of being productive at the plate. Double switch? You deplete your bench and delay the inevitable. 3] 7 inning double headers: I accept it for 2020 but don't like it. Milb is still more about development than just winning. And milb is about long bus rides and not 1st class travel and 1st class hotels. MLB also allows for an extra player to be added. (Perhaps it should be 2)? 7 inning double headers for 2020 only. 4] Runner on 2B for extra innings: Hate it. See all the reasons above in regard to milb having the rule. But this is MLB! It messes with the integrity of the game, IMO. However, I'm willing to listen for the 12th inning on. But the game should be played as normal for at least a couple of innings. 5] Expanded rosters: I loved the idea of a 26 man roster, but support a 27 man roster more. The biggest reason is pitching. There aren't enough good arms to be had for 30 teams and I despise a 3 man bench to carry extra arms. Very glad MLB was smart enough to keep the roster at 28 for the rest of this season. *6] Limited "September" expanded roster: Not even sure how this plays out for 2020. But restricting call ups to just a couple of guys goes beyond short-sighted to blatantly idiotic. The powers that be seemed to believe the integrity of the stretch run would be adversely affected by poor teams playing prospects against a team engaged in a late season playoff drive. Think about that for a moment and let it sink in. A good team playing a bad team and the bad team is playing prospects they want to get a look at makes the bad team worse? So that really makes it that much easier for the good team to beat an already bad team? How does the bad team get better for the future if they don't look at prospects? What if those prospects actually play well and make the bad team better and more interesting to watch? What about good teams also wanting to look at upcoming talent and rest players for a quality post season? Rambling, but I've made my point. This rule change has to be gone immediately.

Everything about this year is weird, crazy, scary, frustrating, pick your description. I do not believe that any sort or cancellation or walk out of a season of a pro sport...as has been speculated here and there...does anything to solve anything. In fact, I believe playing has the opposite effect in so many ways. Not only providing joy and entertainment in a crazy world, but a continued platform for observance and discussion. We can, if we want to, question professional athletes as voices in society. And perhaps we should. Does, for arguement sake, a stud PG in the NBA really have answers? Should his opinion on anything really sway anyone? It's interesting to me how we can celebrate humanitarian awards for pro athletes for community work and yet object if they want to make a statement about society. Now, they are a solitary voice and have their own opinions. And it's very debatable to me as to whether we listen to their voice. But that's not what we are talking about here. We are talking about TEAMS taking a stand, if only for a day, to just say out loud; "we're united in the idea that change has to take place. We may not have answers. But we stand united for a day to get everyone thinking and talking." I fully applaud that stance. A day without games or practice to just get everyone talking and thinking is a positive idea. And the one thing about sports I have always loved is the mix of race and social/economic background to come together and make a TEAM. These TEAMS are taking a day for a "time out" for pause for all of us.

Maybe I'm just too much of an optimist, but I still like our pen and rotation as is, with Pineda returning next week and Odorizi being sore, but apparently not "damaged". Getting our own guys back is still key to me. I really like the idea of Pillar from Boston and think we should have signed him originally. Despite the depth and performance of the pen, you wonder about injuries and maybe there is another Romo like trade that makes sense. I'm concerned about Donaldson for the rest of this season. I think we all are. And Marwin seems to have slumped lately. Adrianza has not been the same decent hitter we've seen the last 2yrs. But do we need another infielder? Even if we give up little for a return there are still 40 man implications to consider. I think I'm in favor of a RH OF like Pillar maybe, and I'd consider a pen arm. Otherwise, I think I trust what we have and the return of a few guys over the next week.

I never like the Twins to lose, of course. But last night didn't really bother me. This one stings a bit. Even the best pen arms have bad games. Unfortunately it was Romo's night. And it was a bad one. I felt like tonight was a rather important game and it was a tough one to lose. I appreciate Aggies7's comment about how it sometimes feels like this really isn't a 20-1× team. But I think a lot of teams feel that way right now. And winning is still winning. It's one series, and time to move on to the next and win that one.

Read an article recently that mentioned him as a target for the Twins for something low level in return unless Boston were to package a RP in the deal for a greater return. My initial thought was no, we have enough depth there. And I'm sorry but I can't recall the proposed names right now, but one was a LH with at least 1 more season of control. And with injuries mounting, suddenly a package deal doesn't sound so crazy to me. But other than Pillar, I agree the best thing that could happen is the Twins just get healthy and get their own guys back.

Maeda has been all we hoped for. Despite all the SP talent on hand, it could be argued the Dogers didn't know what they had, Johnson seems to have taken his game to a different level. Berrios has been disappointing until his last start. We saw there what he has looked like previously. His only knock has ever been just carrying it over a full season. He started to show that kate in 2019. Just because he isnt already one of tbe best pitchers in all of MLB at this point is a huge mistake to dismiss him. Dobnak is not a stud. His numbers and performance will come down. How could they not? But he is good. He has the build and delivery for endurance. He is smart and knows how to pitch. He is STILL a ROOKIE. He just needs to refine his stuff a bit more to put away a guy a little earlier. He COULD be an innings eater 3 or 4 with a little more time. Pineda has always been good when healthy. He's proved that in the past, and with the Twins last season. And he's been smart enough to adapt his approach. I'm looking forward to him joining the rotation next week. Hill was signed for one more half season in his career. I think he knows this. The Twins are being careful because they also know this. Bailey is done for 2020. How good is this staff with Odorizzi back in a couple of weeks? To me, it's keeping everyone healthy and getting Oddo back, along with Stashak for the stretch. Now, if you want to talk 2021, that is an entirely different discussion. But for 2020, only health stops this staff from being one of the best.

We are in a very uncertain period in regard to 2021 and beyond. But for a moment let's pretend tbere will be a 2022 and beyond that is settled, somehow, through negotiations. I think, personally, that Astudillo is a solid catcher, and valuable multi positional player who can do some solid things. I think, healthy he is a solid hitter with pop. If you break down 2019, he hit when healthy. I really like him as the last guy on the player roster. But Garver and Jeffers offer so much as a 1-2 that could be the envy of the league. And both are controlled for the next few years. Uncommon depth, especially how Rocco uses and rests his catchers. I believe that Rortvedt has a real future. But like so many, he's losingng a full year. But if the 40 man allow a it, or Avilla doesn't have better offers, I'd be in favor of his return in some capacity for depth and options. Of course, if Jeffers continues to show and shine, this could be a moot arguement.

Sorry Mike, I have to disagree with you here. Poor performances and ravenous injuries have been abundant this year. And the Twins have had more than their share as well. But they have won 20 games because of their depth. Bailey is out after one solid start. Hill looked good again tonight. Odorizzi had a freak injury his last time out. Berrios may be settling in. Maeda has been great and Dobnak continues to be very solid. The pen has been outstanding, even with some injuries. The bullpen games are not something I want or enjoy. But they have largely turned out in the Twins favor thus far. Pineda is back next week, and hopefully Oddo is back relatively soon. The depth the FO has put in place has allowed the team to perform as well as they have. I've been 50/50 on someone like Duran getting a shot instead of a bullpen game. Part of that is just excitement to see him. But he and others are really just playing for development and emergency. Thus far, there hasn't been a "break glass" moment. Hopefully there won't be. I think the depth they built up has proven itself. Now, I have no clue how the trade market will look in the coming week. But were I to speculate...unless there is more to worry about with Oddo than we've been told...I would think a CF option like Pillar on the cheap and a bullpen option like last year's Romo deal would make the most sense. IMO.

I was not able to watch any of the game as I was tied up in an emergency, 3 night project. (So yeah I missed last night's game and probably tomorrow's as well). So all I have is a box score and a pair of write-ups. I think we absolutely have one of the best and deepest teams in all of MLB, weird season or not. But on the road, no rest days, a deep pen taxed due to injury and usage, against a good team and the best pitcher in baseball, I wasn't expecting a win here. Sorry, I'm a great optimist, but it felt like the odds were against us. VERY encouraged we hung in and had the lead for several innings. VERY encouraged by Hill's performance. That, in itself, is a bright spot we shouldn't dismiss. NOT going to get down on Alcala even a bit. He has looked fantastic and full of potential. He was put in a tough situation as a rookie and just couldn't make it happen tonight. My one hope is he will be able to shake it off for what it was...ONE GAME...and let it rip next time out.

The Royals always play us tough. I don't always know wny, but they just do. I'll be glad when we are done with them. Despite being one of the best teams with runners in scoring position, it still feels like we are not taking full advantage of opportunities presented. Of course like everyone else it seems, there are guys slumping or out with injury. I keep wondering how good we could be with a healthy team, but again, I think most teams would say the same. Nice to see Sano heating up. Easy to say we need him...but...we need him. I simply can't say enough about the pen, it's depth, and what it has done. And the expanded roster and our tremendous pen has allowed for our record and these bullpen games. But at some point, we have to find another SP to mix in with Dobnak, Maeda and the seemingly re-vitaljzed Berrios. We need Hill to be healthy, even at 5IP per start. We need Oddo to rebound after this last set back. We need Pineda back in a couple weeks, rumor has it he is healthy and being stretched out. Still a half season to go, but still can't argue with the results at this point.

I am going to argue against robot umps for balls and strikes until they work out the bugs. Players have to make adjustments for the human factor and different umps who interpret the strike zone differently. We can debate if it's fair or right, but it is the reality of the game. (Not even going to get in to other sports!) But the reality is the Twins used robot umps in the summer ramp up. And the opinion of the players is that it was not accurate. Again, sorry, but I can't recall if their objections were related to vertical or horizontal calls, but they seemed to feel there were real discrepancies. But if that ST 2.0 test could provide useful information going forward I'd be OK to re-visit robot umps in the future. As of right now, probably in a more normal year without some umps opting out, I'm much more in favor of MLB having a better grading system to suspend/demote and promote positive reviews.

Pressly was a calculated trade to be sure. Everyone makes them. It's how we also got Romo initially. But Anderson is the only guy we missed on from the various names presented. RP is always volatile, we know this. Just because someone figures something out years later, or just finds the right situation, doesn't mean any previous team "blew it". The Twins have a couple guys right now in Wisler...who is relatively young still and may have found his team/niche...and Thielbar, who the Tigers inexplicably couldn't find room to keep. I'm assuming Detroit just decided on youth. I have no illusions that Thielbar is some 33yo bullpen savior who has a future with the Twins. But the FO and their analytics saw a guy who had a chance to help, even for a short time frame as an extra arm. And EVERYONE is looking for extra pitching. Meanwhile, Wisler looks to be an actual find. Despite BP depth and a few more guys available or on their way, he looks like the real deal. I lose very little sleep over Anderson because of what we have, because of others we have found before, now, and potentially in the future. It's not a knock on Anderson at all. Just a reality that smart, well run FO tend to get as much or more than they miss out on.

Absolutely som3 of the most egregiously bad umpiring I have ever witnessed in all my years of watching baseball. The Meals/Kepler incident should have resulted in some sort of suspension. Yes, it was that bad. The blown fastball from the Royals last night? You would literally have to be half blind not to call that. It was at least 3-4" from being too high. But I agree with Stringer that I have also seen some well called games this year. I've noticed somem inconsistencies with corner calls, but that is always the case. The problem with robot umps comes from the Twins batters themselves when it was used during the summer ramp up. I can't recall whether it was vertical or horizontal calls they objected to so strongly, but they clearly saw inaccuracies.

They did, however turn to Jeffers when they lost Garver for a time vs Astudillo (even if he's still ramping up) or Telis. They not only like Jeffers, but have acknowledged he's probably the primary catcher at this moment. Difference from filling in to daily play. If Kepler or Rosario were out for a time, or the season, you could see one of Rooker, Kirilloff or Larnach up. Cave and Wade have experience, are solid reserve options, and already on the 40 man. It would be a shame to start service time, burn an option and lose someone off the 40 man to add one of those guys for a temporary fill in. (And baseball gods help us if the season suddenly got cancelled). But another injury or two changes the whole complexion.

Hilarious and perfect!

Awesome! But not sure if I'm more impressed by Maeda or Rogers. Seems the FO has done a great job of building a team of high quality men.

Guessing Thorpe is an injury replacement. Same with Poppen. (Or was he placed on the IL?) I repeat mys3lf from a previous OP that Duran was to be used in case of emergency. Are we getting to that point? Oddo out again, Bailey not ready, Pineda still suspended...maybe instead of a traditional bullpen start we give the kid a shot. Are on giving Wade a shot. Maybe he provides a spark and gives someone else a day off. But Cave is ahead of him for a reason despite slumping lately.

Player of the game, to me, is Jeffers, despite what Berrios did. 2 for 3 with a run and a RBI in his MLB debut, and good behind the plate, despite never playing a game above AA. He looked comfortable and natural to me in everything he did. My only, small complaint, was while trying to frame pitches he "snatched" at a few balls and tried to drag them in to the zone. He needs to be a little more subtle in his movements as he may irk a few veteran umps. I was a bit surprised he was called up over Astudillo or Telis, even though Astudillo has had little time to ramp up. But it shows the belief/faith the Twins have in Jeffers. Goes along with the comments made by Falvey with the promotion. Makes me feel all the better about what is taking place at the alternate site and what the coaches are doing over there. Side note: What's going on with the idea of each team adding an additional 15 players to the reserve list? Unless I missed something, this should already be done and should have been done from the beginning.

I've never pretended to be any sort of scout or expert. But I've watched enough baseball to think I know a few things here and there. And I really hope I don't have to say these things again I about to say, but I probably will because there will be yet another Berrios article later this year, or at the start of next season. Buuut...here we go. Berrios has shown each of the last 2 seasons what he can do. Berrios faded down the stretch in 2018. NO expert, but I speculated his heavy training routine needed to be commended, but re-structured to provide endurance for a full season. He again stuttered in 2019 late before adjusting his routine, and the result was a good finish after a short bad spell. He and the Twins spoke about adjusting his in season routine going forward, along with continued experience and maturation, to maintain himself for an entire season. Flash forward to 2020 when expectation was he didn't have to worry about a full season, just let it rip for a 60 game season. Except, he's obviously been working on a few mechanical issues. But with a short ST and a short ST.2 he's been working on these adjustments on the fly. And it doesn't take a genius to look around baseball this season and see a lot of guys, batters and pitchers, have had a hard time getting in to groove/rhythm. We can debate over and over again for the next few months as to whether or not Berrios will ever develop in to a true ACE. But he is young, talented, still projectable, and every team in baseball would love to have him. I'd rather have him struggle early and get himself straight rather than the opposite.

Despite Berrios's performance and some big hits late, would it be silly to say the player of the game is Jeffers? Guy got the 1st RBI of the game and of his career, got another hit, called a good game and played good defense. Oh, and he hasn't played above AA until tonight.