killertwinfan

On paper, probably. However, this team will go as their pitching goes and is likely to me more susceptible to the injury bug in 2020 as compared to 19. It seemed like no matter who went down, somebody came off the bench and performed well above average. An injury (or underperformance) to the pitching staff will create a big gap which is unlikely to be filled. And, I think you can say the same thing if Cruz, Donaldson or Sano go down for an extended period. You could probably add Garver to that list. I have cautious optimism at this point. Last season was awesome, I am not expecting repeat performances like that on an individual basis.

I can’t argue with anything written, however there are a couple of points I would like to add to the debate. Astudillo is a little injury prone and given Garver’s past injuries a reliable back up is critical. I think you can also argue that Astudillo was injured last year which lead to the soft ball stats. He is also a bit of a statistical anomaly and adds to team chemistry. He does have an option so sure send him down but if Garver can’t catch for extended periods of time the Twins will want Tortuga’s bat and the fans will bark at the listless Avila. The last point is that the defensive catcher is becoming less prevalent and the flexibility of Tortuga will prevail. Personally I thing the fanfare around the Avila signing is silly and very likely to show little or no value.

I agree that the discussion should be held by the Twins and potential suitors, however I don't see how you ever get serious about dealing him. I believe the converse to the argument/point is more close to reality. If you have really good depth, I believe you trade your depth, not your best player. Mostly because trading your best player has way more inherent risk. No body will question trading your depth, it makes the most common sense to both insiders and outsiders. And, it is really good depth so you should be able to acquire good talent at whatever position you seek. I don't see it happening.

I don't feel bad for Dozier. I am sure the twins gave him a reasonable offer, but probably too short and his agent advised against it. If he valued his place in the org he should have taken it. Schoop? I expect ~.250, ~20 hr, ~65 rbi. His home and way splits should normalize.

Yep. I was happy we picked up one win.

This bullpen will always struggle to hold down productive offenses like the Astros.

No way bro. Too soon, too risky. I would leave him at 9 all season. Even if he starts taking more walks. He still has too many AB's waiving at breaking pitches out of the strike zone. It's like he cannot read the breaking ball a lot of the time. Kit gloves.

I like Castro, he is a good catcher and if you look past his injury he has had good production. But, the team has evolved past him so as soon as we can get reasonable value for him we should make the move. Also, the writer's data set implies that Castro has won at a rate that was similar to Bobby Wilson (now in triple A somewhere) and Chris Gimenez (no longer playing). Let's leave this point out of the trade negotiations.

I think you hijacked my narrative and changed it to something else.

Piling on bad pitching does not equate to our offense "taking off" for me. At one point in the first game we were 1-7 with RISP and looked as though we were going to give away the first game to a team that is worse than the Blue Jays. I enjoyed the games, I am happy with the outcome, but I am not satisfied with the FO's effort to secure the opportunity that sits right in front of us. We deserve better. The team is spending below budget after their promise to do otherwise when we built them a stadium. Not cool!

What is up with Romero? He had some great starts last year and can't get even one clean inning as a reliever.

So Bremer is right then? Just not very descriptive as to which corner...

The reason you are agitated is because you have have done a lousy job with the bullpen. What is amazing is that he gets paid to be agitated and we have to pay to get to become agitated. I don't like that formula. You F'd up dude, HUGE! You don't get to make threats, even as idle as they are...

Hot start, my money is on Cleveland until the Twins do something to help their pitching.

I am fine with that too. I am not sure a closer needs spring training as much as a starter. But, what I want to communicate is that I have been in desperation mode since before spring training about our bullpen. It stinks, and why our FO sees it any other way is a mystery. If you want to contend, you need a closer. We have salary budget available to sign anybody we want for a two year deal. Pleas do something FO.

37 games in 38 days. This bullpen will get exposed and there is nothing anyone can do about it. The frustration level of this group will accelerate over the coming days. We can afford Kimbrel easily for two years. He has to be interested based on this team's start. If he wants 4 or 5 years? That's a tough call because you will probably hate him the last two or three years of that contract. But, I say do it if you can get him for 4 or less.

I am with you on this. Dilly Dilly has not impressed me with his management skills, yet it appears he as done some good work on player development. However, I am also willing to give hime some time. This team is just starting to develop some trends that he can act on. It looks like Kepler can handle the leadoff. Polanco & Buxton have taken the next step forward and we are getting what we should have expected from Schoop and Cron. Astudillo looks like he can play and should start taking AB's from Gonzalez. We need another pitcher (closer). We don't need Castro, especially after Sano returns. Those changes will allow for a deeper bullpen and give him something to work with. Let's hope he develops quickly!

Blake Parker has me pining for the Fernando Rodney days. I would do just about anything to get him out of that role.

We are seeing a breakout and I think he can sustain the "C" level of performance. Some might say that maturity means that that wisdom takes over for youthful passion. For MLB players maturity means understanding how long PED's stay in your system, what role diuretics can play so when the drug tests are administered you are clean. Yes, I am jaded.

I think Romero will be good. He just needs to get the reliever mindset before he comes back up.

Your definition of nothing seems a little broad. He is going to play for the Giants at baseball's highest level, isn't that something. Doesn't look like Ziegler will at this point, especially without expanded rosters.

I am not sure what Dilly Dilly was thinking or what metrics drove the decision to put Vasquez in that situation. On top of that, I thought there were signs that Odorizzi was unraveling in the 4th. The decision to let him pitch to the pitcher was a huge mistake. You needed that out. What, because it is not the 7th it isn't a high leverage situation? Bad read, bad metrics or whatever. You gave the game away.

I may be wrong, but I don't think we got anything of "value" for Austin. Something is better than nothing because there is always a chance things could go well for Zigler but I expect he will disappear without a trace in the near future.