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RJA

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Everything posted by RJA

  1. RJA
    Great story, Seth, about a remarkable, multi-talented man. I especially like the pictures and video of Lannie Garrett (that lady has a remarkable voice) as they add richness to the article. Nice feature for Black History Month. I can't wait for your next one.
  2. RJA
    If this is anything other than a flyer on a depth piece, we are in trouble. As a depth piece, there is no harm in taking a look to see what he can do. If the negotiations go badly and stretch out, there will be a shortage of players in the upper minors for sure.
  3. RJA
    Lewis and Enlow dropped due to injury and inactivity, but truthfully while both players showed promise, neither player really demonstrated can't miss type performances before their injuries. Cavaco has yet to show why he was a first pick. But, all three of these players were drafted out of high school so there is still time for them to shine despite their injuries and challenges. Miranda is a good example of why we should never write off minor league players too early. But, to answer your question, Cody, I would have to say Cavaco's stock has dropped the most since his performance has not been affected by injury like the others, and he looks a little lost at times.
  4. RJA
    I actually would favor mediation as a way to jump start serious negotiations given the short time frame. I am not certain that MLB suggested mediation only for PR purposes. Sometimes if a negotiator believes his own group as well as the other side are being stubborn, he or she will ask for mediation to move BOTH sides along. In this case, MLB has not been very responsive which may indicate that there are members on the negotiating team that are being inflexible. In addition, when the new PA negotiator was hired he bragged he was going to shake things up which is not the way to start negotiations, it is a bit of a shot across the bow. Let's hope both sides get more flexible and this gets done soon. I do think mediation would help that along.
  5. RJA
    I have seen this kid live and on TV and he has impressed me with his stuff and his poise. I add my name to those who are looking forward to seeing him at Target Field, whether that is at the start of the season or a few weeks in. I think one of the most exciting things in baseball is watching the debut of a young starter or position player at the major league level. It reminds us all that this is a great game and many young men are working their tails off to get to the bigs.
  6. RJA
    I really enjoy these interviews. It allows me to attach a face and personality to these kids. Your interview technique is very relaxed and I think that helps the kids relax. Nice job. I also like the fact you bring up coaches that may have helped the young men on the way up. Rec league and travel team coaches are so important to the development of players that it is good to see them recognized. Keep up the good work, Seth. My compliments.
  7. RJA
    Whose stock rose the most? I would have to say Miranda as he has been in the system longer and had nowhere near the success in prior years as he did last year. He was a guy who was pretty much unknown who became one of the best hitters in minor league baseball last year. What a great story. Let's hope he carries that success to the bigs this year.
  8. RJA
    Good kid with good head on his shoulders and a chance to get better through hard work. I will be pulling for him. It is what I love about baseball--a kid from a small school with a dream of making the bigs gets a chance.
  9. RJA
    Nick, your mention of baseball movies got me thinking that I haven't watched The Perfect Game in a long time. I am going to tee it up this weekend. This lockout too shall pass (I hope!).
  10. RJA
    Yea, I hear you. I'm frustrated as well. Maybe this will be the year.
  11. RJA
    Boy, aren't you Mr. Optimistic :).
  12. RJA
    I agree Celestino could be an important piece regardless of whether Buxton is hurt or not but I think we need another half season at St. Paul to really see if he is ready. He would take on even more importance if Kepler is traded as he would normally spell Buxton on occasion in CF. As for Gordon, it is easy to pull for this kid, but if the Twins think Martin is MLB ready, he would be a better choice as he could play all over as well and has a better bat. But, if trades are on the horizon, Martin, Celestino, Jeffers, Garver and others may be gone, so it is really a crap shoot trying to predict who is going to be where this season. Good topic, Cody. It is fun to noodle these things.
  13. RJA
    Matthew and chpettit19 are spot on as far as I am concerned. But, I too, would love to have Petty be the next Gooden, baseball wise. Hope springs eternal.
  14. RJA
    Another good entry in the series. I think he was a great prospect to take a chance on in the 4th round. He obviously can mash the ball as his consistent performance at all levels demonstrate. It appears that his ceiling will depend on 2 things. First, is there too much swing and miss in his game to make it tougher for him as the quality of pitching he faces gets better and better as he climbs the ladder. In that case he may be similar to Adam Brett Walker. Second, can he find a defensive home that will allow him to be a position player. If not, his bat will have to play well enough for him to DH. Whatever happens, he is the type of player that it is fun to watch, and the Twins were right to give him a shot in my humble opinion.
  15. RJA
    I admit Glasnow has great talent, but he doesn't see the diamond enough to realize his potential. The Twins have shied away from free agent pitchers thinking a 3 or 4 year contract is too risky. So why would they trade for a player coming off TJ who will not pitch this year and will be in his first year back from TJ in 23? I can't think of a bigger risk than that. I cannot believe given his past and TJ that he would even pitch a hundred innings in 23, and then he is a free agent. Now, let's assume I am wrong and he pitches 140-150 innings of great baseball. Then he will be a free agent who will command at least a 3 year contract at a significant salary which is what the Twins traditionally avoid. Finally, the Twins really need help this year. If they are willing to trade Jeffers and Duran, I would try to get someone that could help the next couple of years. Interesting topic.
  16. RJA
    Great article, Nick. I like that you made suggestions about where to go from here. I do not agree with the two comments above. There are loads of free agent impact pitchers that have been successful. Sure there are notable failures as nothing is fool proof, but many have been outstanding. Plus, the problem with trades for the Twins is that they are very unlikely to sign these guys to long term contracts which means you are right back in the same situation in a year or two. Why not sign one free agent for 3 or 4 years, and trade for one additional quality starter. Then you could have a starting rotation of someone like Ray, someone like Montas, Ryan, Ober and let's add Pineda. Now with the young kids coming up, you may be set for 3 or 4 years. If the Twins think they have a window, spend some money and go for it. As for the second comment, I think Polanco is a superb second baseman. He is not a superb shortstop. If you move him, you effectively weaken 2 positions. I think it is better to leave him where he is, and sign an excellent defensive shortstop, giving the young pitchers a great defense up the middle. Just my humble thoughts. Love this kind of discussion.
  17. RJA
    I think Larnach will be fine long term. I don't think he compares to Rooker at all, for many of the reasons you identify, Cody. Plus, he is a smart guy. He studies the game and will do what is necessary to adjust. I never write off a great prospect after one trip to the majors. Look at Torii's struggles early on. Plus, he was injured. I think he will likely start at St. Paul, do well and be promoted next year. I think he will be an important piece long term.
  18. RJA
    Thanks for response on hall of fame election by market size. I will try to find the study. I think you are greatly underselling Nathan. AS games: Nathan 6, Wagner 7. WPA career: Nathan 30.6 (top 10 5 times), Wagner 29.1 (top 10 4 times). Championship WPA: Nathan 25.4 (top 10 5 times), Wagner 25.9 (top 10 3 times). Rolaids Wins: Nathan 1, Wagner 1. WAR/162: Nathan 2.2, Wagner 2.2, Career WAR: Nathan 26.7, Wagner 27.7. Years facing designated hitters: Nathan 10, Wagner 0. I think you need to take another look at the analytics :).
  19. RJA
    Good article, Cody. I appreciate the detail and comparison data. I would have to give a slight edge to Santana given the two and what could have been 3 Cy Young awards. He was simply unbelievable in his prime. Nathan is not far behind, and I think your comparison data between Wagner and Nathan is really compelling. Actually, I think both of these guys deserve to be in the Hall, and at some point will be. Has anyone ever looked at the difference between small market stars and mega market stars when it comes to election to the Hall? I don't know if it is possible to quantify the difference but my gut tells me that big market players are more readily electable.
  20. RJA
    I love this series. It will make following these young guys a lot more fun this summer. He is so similar to Hajjar, left handed, improved fastball since working with Twins coaches, and projectable. Also, like Hajjar, he seems to have a good secondary pitch, in his case a curveball. I think both of them could move quickly this summer. As to who is the most intriguing prospect thus far, I have to go with Petty given the heat he can bring together with what looks like excellent secondary pitches. But, we will have to be patient with him. That being said, these two lefthanders are not far behind, and they are closer to the majors. Should be a fun summer watching the minors this year.
  21. RJA
    Good article. On the steroid front with Ortiz and Bonds, I do see a significant difference based on the evidence that has been made public. In Bonds situation, there is proof he tested positive at least 3 times for 3 different kinds of steroids. People testified they injected him regularly, there were doping charts, dosing charts, etc. that clearly showed a long term consistent use of steroids. He apparently also tested positive before his 73 home run year. In the case of Ortiz, he was on the original list of 100, but there is zero evidence he ever tested positive or used steroids during his career. He may have, but there is no evidence that he did. Plus, does anyone really want to argue that Bonds didn't use steroids and human growth hormones when his whole body, especially his head which grew by an inch in circumference, became bloated? His before and after pictures tell the whole story. I am not saying that Bonds shouldn't be in the Hall, I am just saying the difference in evidence between he and Ortiz is quite profound.
  22. RJA
    I would think the Twins will want him to pitch a few games in September just to see how he looks, but I think that will depend on how he does in a rehab assignment. If his rehab assignment goes well, he will get a few starts. Pitchers vary so much in how they respond to the surgery it is very difficult to predict. Maeda has some things going for him however. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders and is very professional in his approach to the game. I have no doubt he will do whatever he can to get back. Also, as you mentioned, his surgery option using an internal brace is a little less invasive so it could theoretically allow him to get back quicker. Cody, didn't Rich Hill opt for the internal brace procedure? Do you know who else has followed this path? Nice article, thanks.
  23. RJA
    Like some others, I think it is too early to predict the BP for Sands and Woods Richardson. I suspect Duran will be in the BP when he first gets to Target Field if for no other reason than to limit innings. This is a huge year for him. If he can stay healthy, he could have a good career, either in the rotation or the BP. If he can't stay healthy, I think his future is very clouded.
  24. RJA
    My frustration with the front office is that the team won 101 games in 2019, and were 36 and 24 in 2020. If ever a team should make a major investment in free agency, it is when you have a team capable of winning a 100 games a year. Instead, they did the usual wait and see what is available late, which totally collapsed on them last year. I will never understand why they didn't make a major push by trading for players or signing top flight free agents when they were on the cusp of being a series contender. It was a lost opportunity.
  25. RJA
    The Twins have an abundance of options but it will all depend on injuries and innings, so it is hard to predict within this group. My guess is Winder and Strotman will be the first starters at Target FIeld due to age and experience, and IF Duran's elbow strain is only that and not something more serious, then I think he will be first bullpen addition. I hope a couple of these guys really shine in spring training (whenever it starts), but I hope even more the Twins add a quality experienced starter or two.
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