DocBauer

I was generally impressed by Dobnak, even with some extended AB with numerous fouls. And 90 pitches for 5 innings isn't exactly ideal. But I think it's obvious most pitchers are still ramping up. But really, how can you complain at his results? He did his job for those 5 IP and should only get better. Guy is a grinder and very solid.

Amazing what a lightening rod Rosario has become. I have been a fan since be was brought on board, and remain so. I think he is a tremendous personality, a team leader, and a proven performer. Despite those who argue against his performance, statistics have proven he was a top performer in RBI situations in 2019. Clutch is still clutch. Despite some borderline to silly plays, he has proven himself...when healthy...to usually being not only a quality OF, but one capable of great plays. And I'm willing to forgive a bad play for every 3 good plays. Because those good plays are usually damn good. It's Eddie being Eddie. And if you take a big picture look at everything over the last 2 seasons, you have a choice. You can look at instincts fielding, base running, and quality production, in clutch moments. Even with a shoulder problem in 2018 and a bad leg in 2019. OR, you can say he can't play defense above average and anyone could produce numbers in this lineup. I'm not saying you are wrong if you think Eddie is easily replaceable. In fact, when you look at the potential of Larnach and Kirilloff, it's really hard to argue about future replacement value. But I do think Rosario has been victimized a bit by injury the last couple of seasons to reach his true performance level. I think he is smart enough to realize the limitations on his game due to over-aggressiveness. But can he understand that and make adjustments without losing the right kind of offensivness that makes him so productive? In direct terms, just a 10% adjustment in SO/BB could be huge. Has he, can he, as a young veteran player make that change? I sure hope he can!

I missed bits and pieces, unfortunately, but thought Berrios was just fine except for one really bad pitch that cost the game. Nobody should panic at this point, especially with such a short training period to get ready. Jose seemed to have some nasty stuff 1st game, but was overthrowing. Again, he made one really bad pitch tonight. Would you rather have an injury like those that have plagued so many top hurlers already? Or a talented pitcher who overthrew one game and made that bad throw against a potential Cy Young candidate? Abbreviated season or not, it's still early. We really haven't seen anything to cause concern at this point. Tip of the cap to Bieber for pitching a fantastic game. Like it or not, he appears to be developing in to stud SP. Not sure anyone could have beaten him his first 2 times out. We can, if you want, argue all day long about Sano's defense at 1B after 6 games, a short training schedule, and an even shorter one for him. OR, we can acknowledge he has mostly looked good at 1B, has all the talent in the world to be a good defensive 1B, and is still developing there and feeling his way. (Something we all knew would be true). The lineup is deep and dangerous but in no way, despite some early outbursts, are our hitters performing to expectation. Yet! But nobody should hit any panic button. I don't care it's a short season, 4-2 is good and it's still early. I trust Rocco. I think he's awfully smart. He seems to have a feel for the pulse of the team and his players, and knowing when to play guys and when to rest them. I also think he's smart enough, even after ONLY 6 games to know if someone is pressing. I think Donaldson is pressing. Sano and Buxton had almost zero time to get ready. I want him to do what he does, and has done, and keep the lineup fresh. And you don't get in a groove by sitting. But I do hope he mixes the lineup up a bit tomorrow for giggles sake. Guys often respond by a little shake up.

I'm not going to pretend I have an answer here, but speculation and reflection might help? Reed got $8M per and was an established RP with some closing experience. May is younger and has better pure stuff but lacks the history. So I'm saying that would be a ceiling. But the good news/bad news situation is Covid in regard to contracts. Teams are going to lose money and I think most of agree the market is going to go flat for the next couple of seasons except for cream of the crop FA. So that makes May, and others, more affordable. Odorizzi the same way. But then again, the Twins are probably losing money as well, so what can their budget afford? A lot of ying/yang in regard to next off season.

Watching Hill was a joy. But the pen, WOW! 4 IP, ONE hit, ZERO walks, SEVEN SO.

Maybe it's nostalgia, or maybe it's replacing the old red/white/blue elastic waistband, but I'm suddenly digging the old blue uniforms.

SOMEBODY on the Bomba Squad should have THUNDERSTRUCK by AC/DC

Bringing this OP back up front again. I think we all agree that you could draw names out of a hat and put together a lineup that is dangerous and makes sense. But that is also a "good problem" to have. I mean, really, Donaldson, Cruz, you could plug them in 2-5 and not be wrong. How about Sano when he gets his legs under him? But Kepler, Polanco and Arraez are the most "interesting" pieces in the lineup to consider aren't they? All 3 have the ability to hit almost anywhere. How do you mess with what Kepler did last year? Except, maybe his production and power would be even better lower. We've seen Molitor and Rocco place Polanco anywhere from 1-5 and he produces, and seems to fit. Arraez could be devastating hitting with Buxton at the bottom of the order, or provide a completely different kind of dangerous contact/AVG hitter in a 6 or 7 spot after some power guys and ahead of further dangerous batters. Maybe I'm just old school. But I want my top hitters to work and frustrate the pitcher. I've always believed in the most balanced lineup you can put together but have believed in a "depth" approach. The leadoff HR is AWESOME, but doesn't happen enough to make a difference IMO. I want the opposition's team to struggle as much as they can the 1st inning so that everyone can see what they have that day. (Not to mention the umpire which is a whole different topic). I'm not sure if Donaldson should hit #2 or not. He's done great there in his career, but he's also done great a couple spots lower. Kepler did great in the #1 spot last year, but could be even more productive hitting lower with guys OB. Personally, I'd have Arraez doing what he does in the #1 spot, getting hits and OB, workjng the count, and frustrating the pitcher. We can debate how the rest of the lineup works best, Polanco vs Donaldson, etc. But I really want that guy who sets the tone at #1. With all due respect to Max, I just think that guy should be Arraez.

Great article! Let us remember a couple things about young hitters in general, and Arraez specifically. Arraez turned 23 in April. And we talk about physical maturation and gaining "man muscle" as a young player. It's only partially true as we've seen other young 20yo players who already have muscles and natural power/strength. And I'm not talking about a 1B or OF who is 6' 2" plus and a good 200lbs plus. Even those guys develop physically over time via nutrition, weight gain, etc. But we also see infielders who seem to "muscle up" over time. Think Dozier, as an example. And I don't doubt for a second that power can't be developed via physical gains as an early 20+yo. But I also think some of the "muscling up" we talk about is just a young hitter gaining experience and being able to put round bat on round ball more consistently for more pop/power. Arraez is not a large human being and never will be. Doesn't mean he can't build up a bit and get stronger. And let's not forget he missed an entire milb season and had a whopping 66AB in Rochester for 2019 before coming up and sticking. He will never be, IMO, any sort of power threat. But he doesn't need to be. Greater exit velocity speaks not HR power necessarily, but hard and true singles with doubles power and a few more HR. As good as he hits and makes contact, and uses the whole field, power equates defenses playing him honest. And at that point, he has the other team right where he wants them.

#1] Cave produced his first go round. For whatever reason...pressing perhaps...he really struggled the first part of 2019 before getting his legs under him. While I doubt he is any late start STAR in the making, his strong start shouldn't surprise. My #1 problem with Cave has been he absolutely has the tools to be a decent CF, allowing him to fill in there, and allowing Kepler to stick in RF most of the time. And he's made some nice plays there. He's also made some terrible plays there and either not tracked the ball well or tried to make a tremendous play vs a safe play. If experience and/or work can allow him to play a solid CF defensively, he just raised his value to another level. I know it's only a couple of games, but he just looks more comfortable there to me. More importantly, Rocco seems to think so. #2] Adrianza has done nothing since the Twins signed him but come off the bench and contribute. He is, absolutely, a utility player. And he is no member of the Bomba squad. But he has done nothing but hit decently, maintain a decent contact rate and OB, pop some XBH here and there, and play quality defense. What more could ever be asked? As much as I love former contributors such as Newman, Reboutlet, Hocking and Pinto over the years, I think I'd take Adrianza over all of them. 3] Gonzalez did last season pretty much what he has done his entire career: produce and play well. His OPS in 2019 basically matched his career line. No matter how much we can debate about roster construction, depth and versatility, as well as flexibility, some guys are just everyday starters and some guys are role players. All he does is come off the bench a few days a week and play solid to good defense at a number of spots, hit, take professional AB, club double digit 2B and HR and make a real contribution to the lineup/team. IMO, there are very few teams in MLB that have a 3sum off their bench like the Twins have. Now, there is hope that soon we could have guys like Gordon, Blankenhorn and others...maybe even Lewis as he breaks in...who could be as good or better but this is a really, really good bench to work with right now. And I'm not sure that all 3 won't be back in 2021. I kind of wish, Cody, that "bench depth" might have included pitching. Or is that a 2nd article you have planned?

I'm going to echo this. When all is said and done, from defense to offense to mentorship of the young talent on the roster and those waiting for opportunity, Donaldson will still be the best signing. But Maeda is good. His career numbers say he is good. He eats RH hitters for breakfast and lunch and is coming off his best career year against LH hitters. The whole Dogers moving him to the pen has been overblown, IMO, from everything I've read and heard. The Dogers had enough rotation depth...one of the best in MLB ...to use him in their pen. (Nice problem to have). And I think some of the hyperbole that came with Maeda that the Twins acquired some front of the rotation stud was ridiculous. But what they got was a very good, experienced and professional hitter who can fit in well as a quality #2 or #3 guy. He may not dominate, but he just does everything well. I also enjoyed hearing Morneau speak about how well he's been fitting in with the team. Despite the language barrier, he has a good sense of humor and seems to be comfortable. One thing I feel is underrated is just how well the clubhouse works from the manager and coaches on down. The Twins seem to have built a team that is filled with ability, confidence, and good chemistry. And I believe that's been done very deliberately. So no over reaction. I disagree with over reaction #2, not only because I really never want to be compared to the Yankees, lol, but I think the Twins 2019 depth was pretty damn good as well. It's unfortunate, however, that the Twins were less healthy at the end of the season than the Yankees were at the time. But I will say the depth for 2020 is even better after Donaldson, Hill, Clippard and Maeda were brought on board. Not to mention Dobnak, Smeltzer, Thorpe, Littell and Stashak gaining experience. You're obviously being silly about Sano and Rogers. But I was a little surprised Rogers and Romo never pitched. And with the day off today, Monday, I think I would have played Sano all 3 days to help him heat up. As to Cruz, well, I doubt a DH wins MVP nationally. But internally he easily could. Even at 40, could he be one of the best and most dangerous hitters in the game? Little surprised you didn't include Stashak and/or Wisler. Because...DAMN!

Two words came to mind watching him: "smart" and "professional". While a different pitcher, he reminded me a little bit of Radke. Not overwhelming velocity, but he mixed pitches, changed speeds and hit spots. Always seemed in control of himself. I was fascinated at one point where be threw something like 5 or 6 straight FBs and Morneau commented how he was changing up the Dirty Sox game plan on him by doing so. Really looking forward to watching him this season. I really like his control and ability to adjust. I think this is going to be a very smart acquisition.

In the past, there was a lot of confusion about injured players hanging around and no information and then suddenly being placed on the IL, later than they should have been. I haven't really seen this with the current FO. While they haven't always spilled out tons of information...which is their right...they seem to be protective of their players well being and aggressive with the IL and promotion. At this point, they have said "stiffness". And I will accept that and a missed start, maybe 2 with a couple early off days. If it's more than that, I will absolutely begin to worry. But I give benefit of doubt at this point. The Twins have depth, but I don't want that to be taken for granted. Thorpe has a ton of potential, and Dobnak and Smeltzer both have decent potential. But I'd like them to ease in to reliability through experience and opportunity as much as possible. Same with Duran. But a short season changes said parameters of opportunity if this is something more. In regards to an extension, there are 2 ways to look at one: 1] I HOPE NOT, but if this turns out to be chronic related to 2017, Oddo is up against a hard place and will be looking for the best 1yr deal in a post 2020 season he can get. The Twins could still need him and easily bet on him for 2021 While waiting for some of their top arms to arrive. And he's already stated he enjoys pitching for the Twins and working with Johnson. 2] Even if he is ready to go with mild stiffness, and the Twins are just being cautious, and he makes 10-11 regular season starts, and we see the 2019 version of him, he is still up against a rock, though a less threatening, less jagged rock. He is a very good #3 SP who can/has pitched like a legitimate #2 most days if you accept 5-6 IP. He was a legitimate All Star in 2019 who was almost as good the 2nd half if you take away July dealing with a finger issue. And he no longer has a draft choice attached to him for 2021. But he's also making just shy of $18M in 2020, though now pro-rated. Even if the 2020 season plays out to completion, including expanded playoffs to make up for financial losses, are teams really going to invest big money for 2021? Especially considering the CBA and questions about 2022? Except for elite talent, I would say no. I think a healthy and productive Odorizzi is looking at a 3yr deal for about $45M. I believe the Twins can not only afford that, but I think he's honest in wanting to stay here. It might also be his best offer.

My reflections and opinions. I never liked the old format I grew up with only 4 divisions and 2 leagues. There were countless good teams with good records, including the Twins here and there, who were shut out after the marathon season that is baseball. On of the smartest things MLB has ever done...could be argued the only smart thing they have done...was the re-alignment of 3 divisions in each league and adding the WC. [i still don't like the Brewers in the NL and Astros in the AL, but I digress]. I am also OK with 2 WC teams, but hate the 1 game play in as it too "gimmicky" for me. It should have always been a 2 or of 3 format. We sometimes make jokes about the "integrity" of the game, and deservedly so for many reasons. But the marathon that is a baseball season is special and unique on so many levels. And to sudddnly adopt an NBA "half the teams make it anyway" approach demeans the game, IMO. We have seen NBA teams at .500 and even below make the playoffs previously. And there has been a call to re-seed the playoffs as a result. I'm not current on the most recent decisions/agreements made, but thought I heard they may re-seed for the conclusion of 2020. I'd have to research to be fully accurate, but I believe the NFL has had at least a few .500 teams make the playoffs with their current format. Speaking of WC and not division winners who may have been the same. I believe 4 NFL teams have made the playoffs with losing regular seasons. And now the NFL is talking about expanding their playoff structure? In this weird, short season, while I don't like it, I can see MLB opening the gates for ONE YEAR. Since everyone is on board with it, and it could bring in $ to help offset financial losses. But if this continues in 2021 and beyond, I think baseball loses something. It diminishes everything from the extended season to the trade deadline to the Hot Stove League. Baseball, IMO, becomes less interesting when an 83 win team enters the playoff picture after a marathon season, with all the intrigue involved.

So today happened. Ugh! The good news is Dobnak looked OK and I agree he he serves another start. Very disappointed in Littell and Smeltzer but not going to panic over ONE GAME, and first game at that. Not the least bit worried about Berrios after one game either. Once again, first game, limited time ramp up, and facing a good lineup. He seemed to settle down in the 3rd and 4th. Honestly, I think he was too amped up and over-throwing.

There are a couple guys on that list that I would like back, of course. But for the most part, none of them would probably make the 2020 Twins. And it's hard to truly regret someone like Hendricks as he really found himself at least a couple of years after he was already gone. Nobody had a clue Nick Anderson would do what he's done, but it would have been really nice to give him a shot before letting him go. Over the years, the Twins have also benefited by guys let go or traded away. So any lament is similarly shared by other teams as well. Pressly still hurts, so does Graterol and Escobar. But as highat stated, you have to trade away quality sometimes to get something back. But it is interesting to see lists like this. Thanks Seth!

Agree 100%. And really, it's hard to begrudge MLB trying to recoup as much $ as they can considering this crazy and abbreviated season. But I still enjoy the basic structure of the game as is and feel this messes with the integrity of not only the game, but sort of cheapens the 60 game season by letting in additional teams that normally wouldn't qualify for the post season. And then, have we opened Pandora's box? As previously stated, I dislike the one and done WC play in game and would prefer a 2 out of 3 format. Does the change this year get carried over to 2021 and beyond? I'm in favor changes for the good and health of the game, but I don't want to see an NBA format where half the teams make it to the post season.

Perhaps knee jerk reaction on my part, but for the most part, the wealthiest teams in the largest cities with the most $, and the larger viewing audiences are generally coastal cities/teams. With more teams added to the playoffs, I think it's a safe bet most of the extra WC teams will come from the East and the West.

I agree on Gordon. He's had some tough luck will illness a couple minor but badly timed injuries. I agree he would probably have been called up before Arraez in 2019 if available. Of course, Arraez has worked out pretty well so far. I still believe Gordon will have a solid career as a useful utility player with decent offense. Potentially, he could still start for someone at 2B. Not what was envisioned or hoped for, but a quality/useful ML player is never anything to dismiss, despite original expectations. Whitefield has been an interesting story since the day he signed and has been one of my favorite minor leaguers to root for. I'm sure he will only be around for the first 2 weeks but should fulfill a dream by making some PR and late defensive appearances. I'm super happy for the kid and understand he's older than Celestino and has played more at a higher level, but still a bit confused why the Twins didn't just go with Celestino, already on the 40 man. I'm guess it's age, experience and the start of his clock. Earlier today, before I even read this article, I was doing a little fantasizing about the reserve roster in St. Paul and realized that if they could scrimmage someone else's reserve list tomorrow...with Gordon cleared from Covid...their lineup would look something like this: 2B: Gordon SS: Lewis RF: Kirilloff 1B: Rooker LF: Larnach C: Jeffers 3B: Blankenhorn DH: Weil CF: Celestino SP: Duran While Gordon may not be a top 20 prospect any longer, he remains a decent one. I think it could be easily argued the only real non prospect above would be Weil. That's a pretty interesting lineup right there.

Wow! Hate this 100 times over! I never liked the WC 1 game scenario. I've always thought a 2 of 3 game scenario made more sense. But now a money grab situation similar to the expanded NBA format where barely .500 teams make the playoffs? Sorry, but this stinks of not only $ but a bias to the coasts, IMO. And since this is a money grab, I blame both sides. Couldn't they just keep the standard format and make the WC a 2 out of 3? I will watch and I will enjoy and I will root. And I will end up seeing some 31 win team advance and knock someone out and see the asterisks nobody wanted to see for 2020 grow larger.

I am an absolute homer and will never apologize for being such. I absolutely delight in hearing former Twins in the booth, each and every one because they all bring something different. But I absolutely have opinions and preferences. I really enjoy Bert, for the most part. I feel pretty much everything he says is smart and sound, but I do think it's a bit like a record that's had a needle run through one too many times. What fascinates me...and I really enjoy...is when there is a 3rd person in the booth. Bert seems to come alive and shift gears and I really enjoy that. Smalley is very smart. I enjoy what he says and brings. But he just needs to say it and stop talking over himself. I really like Morneau a lot, but he just needs to have a little more fun, change his pitch a little, not be afraid to be a little more entertaining. Love Hawk and Hunter both, but they are the opposite of Smalley and Justin, IMO. I love their fun, but reign it in a bit here and there and talk the game with a little less humor. Been a while now, but really enjoyed Thome in the booth. I just thought he bad a nice blend of fun and professionalism both. On the radio side, with no apologies, I love Gladden. I was worried initially when Gordon retired....circumstances have made me a radio guy for most of my life until the internet brought game streaming...but he and Corey work very well together. (Sorry, but a moment of silence for Herb who was the ABSOLUTE BEST)! But Dan just isn't a play by play guy. I'll listen, of course, but Chris or SOMEBODY just needs to carry those middle innings and let Gladden do what he does best.

Mildly scared by Odorizzi. He's had back problems before, see Tampa in 2017 for a good part of the year, though he finished strong that year. They say mild stiffness and I figured with the expanded roster he might miss a single turn and no reason for the IL. Guessing/Hoping retro will still have him missing only a start, maybe two. IIRC, they have a couple off days early so maybe this is just being overly cautious??? Crossing my fingers. I've never been sold on Bailey, and that has nothing to do with his performance Wednesday. Healthy, though younger, he was solid to very good. Healthy again, he re-invented himself in 2019. We are not talking a top of the rotation SP. We're talking a solid, experienced 5th SP. I'm trusting the FO on this one. Surprised a little by Blankenhorn not making it, even though it would only be for 2 weeks. I am borderline shocked by Whitefield. I have been a fan and hopeful supporter of his since day one. (The potential and story are just too good.) While no prospect expert the book on him is great defense with legitimate CF instincts. He has some pop and power potential. Tremendous speed and SB ability. 23yo and still a work in progress as a hitter. He has more time than Celistino at A+, so that may have been a factor. But considering a 40 man move to add him vs just keeping Celestino for a couple of weeks, I am confused. Otherwise, everything makes perfect sense.

I agree. My caveat would be the Twins final record. I'm not sold yet on Bailey, and it has nothing to do with Wednesday against the Cubs. At this point, I am only mildly concerned with Odorizzi having some back stiffness. Sano and Buxton being OK but slightly set back doesn't scare me. There is just so much depth and talent positionally speaking, and rotation and pen depth, that I honestly feel this team should win 40 games.

I don't buy in to the Dirty Sox just yet. They made some good additions and have some young talent on hand and some just about ready to make their mark. But I just think they need too much to go right at the same time to challenge this season. Cleveland is still dangerous. You have to give them the advantage in SP, even though though the Twins have quality and depth. I also like the Twins BP and depth over the Indians. We can debate INF vs OF but it's a balancing act. I'd pick the Twins overall, including DH. In the whole of AL/NL Central, the Twins and Indians should be the top 2 teams. I still don't feel the whole "Central" battle is quite the cake walk some make it out to be as there are 4 teams in the NL that could be 30+ win teams, plus Cleveland and the CDS to contend with. But Cleveland is the only team that really worries me.

Got anything good to share? I haven't see anything about Sunday.