MN_ExPat

I have been known to be wrong (many times before ), but I believe Slegers was DFA'd not released.

Hmm? Well then. Welcome to the Twins I guess.

Nice write up Ted. Here's hoping that Boomstick is a piece that gives the other hitters in the lineup a little protection and thus helps improve overall production of the offense.

Not sure how I feel about that, but then again he is an established MLB pitcher with a good track record and really couldn't be any more inconsistent than say Duffy. He may very well still be a solid contributor. It's these things that make me glad I don't have any say in these matter... I'd most likely screw it up.

I have to wonder if he doesn't get bumped up some on many list considering the pro debut he had. Promising start so far for him.

Too me the funniest part of much of this discussion is our (and I say our, because I include myself in this) reactions when we feel that a player we really like or love to follow is disparaged. We become invested these guys and young men. Speaking for myself, I've felt this way since I was a little kid watching the games or listening on the radio, and then snagging the sports section the next day to pour over the baseball section and listed stat sheets and box scores. At one point I could tell you the active roster and the main stats for every team in the majors (stat geek!) Heck, I still do that today... although it's a lot more high tech and in real time , annnnd perhaps a little less obsessive about the numbers. So... at least for me, I get the "over love" for certain players. It's in our baseball DNA since we were kids. These were our heroes, our idols and while most of us really don't use those words to describe them anymore (at least not in public ), the emotional response lingers. I'll eventually get to a point... maybe. Kepler for example. I personally think he's a fantastic athlete, and has the mental makeup and physical tools to be an exceptional baseball player. Will he ever fully realize that potential??? I honestly don't know, and in many ways (IMHO) it isn't really that important. Baseball, like life, isn't about the destination. It's about the journey, the steps and stops you take along the way. So, if Kepler (or Cave, or any of the others don't meet great success, are "league average" or just "meh"), I'll be disappointed but ultimately ok with it. There will be other players who come along and other players to root for. We should all relax some, and enjoy the journey. Merry Christmas everyone !

OMG... Sigh. I just snorted when I read that.

I've seen him play a couple of times, and while he's not lights out amazing in the field... he does seem capable and dependable. In short he's got a good enough glove that he wouldn't be a liability at 2B (IMHO), especially if he keeps slapping the ball around the field like he does.

Oh, and the Twins need to steal Tim Hyers from Boston to be their Hitting Coach. He’s a fantastic coach (just look at the approach of Boston’s hitters, especially in the postseason) and he gets results from his guys. Yes I’m biased... he’s worked with my sons high school team (they all love him) .

I definitely won’t argue that point, but while a slick/solid defensive play may not win every game, the polar opposite will cost a team more games than they would like, and often at the worst times.

He may undoubtedly have some challenges at the pro level, but I fully believe that you can either coach or you cannot (much like leadership, you either have the ability or you do not). There is little in between. Good luck Coach Johnson, I bid you welcome to our little pond.

It could work I guess, but I'm not sure how I personally feel about it. I can't remember if Austin has any options left or not. If he does, it might not be a bad pickup as he could be stashed at AAA, ready to be called up if needed.

https://www.mlb.com/twins/news/the-hall-of-fame-case-for-joe-mauer/c-300524458 I'm sure most of y'all have seen this article on MLB, but just in case you haven't... it's a good read as to why Joe belongs in the HOF. God speed and God Bless Joe. I for one will miss seeing you on the diamond.

Nice write up Thrylos. If nothing else, La Tortuga is one of those players who makes the game "fun" to watch and he's easy to root for. Besides that though, I hope the Twins keep him around as he (IMHO) actually brings value to the team. He's just that type of player that every team needs to have at least one of on its roster. Viva La Tortuga!! Huzzah!

Great write up Nick. It's nice to see something positive, thank you.

Huzzah!!!

I know Boras is a lot of hot air and that’s a big part of his job as an agent. When his parasitic host... err I mean client eats well, he eats well. It’s part of the game and you have to accept it to some degree. But I just can’t shake how he in particular actually makes me root for ownership and MLB league leadership. Think I need to get my head checked.

Not entirely my point, but not arguing it really either. Although Baseball Reference has that line listed as Glavine’s MLB debut year (unless I misread it, which has been known to happen before).

Came across this MLB stat line of some "Soft Tossing" Lefty and it reminded me that we we should all temper our expectations some from the SSS (both good and bad/poor). - 5.54 ERA / 50.1 IP / 55 H / 34 R / 5 HR / 33 BB / 20 SO / 5.51 FIP / 1.748 WHIP Not the best debut by any stretch. The player's name... a certain HOF'r by the name of... Tom Glavine. Who we all know went on to have an "meh" career . Note: I'm not saying the Gonsalves will be a HOF type player, or even have a lengthy career for that matter (Yes, his debut was not pretty). However, when you break down his appearances, he did do some things well and had some good moments (baby steps, not everybody can be Blake Snell or Walker Buehler). This gives him something to work on going into ST. So for now, I'd keep him at least in the Top 15 personally. That may change, but I'm willing to give him a bit of a longer leash based on his potential.

Great write up Steve. Thx much as always for the dedicated work .

Impact bat, solid defense, proven veteran player... If he could stay healthy I would be all for it. If I was GM (and thankfully for all of us I'm not) I might actually roll the dice with this one. It carries some risk, but.. it could very well work out to be a good deal.

Seth, didn't Javier injure and have surgery on his non-throwing shoulder if I remember correctly? Also, have you heard any news about how his rehab is progressing or if he has even started it yet?

So... you're saying that you're Mike Sixel and you don't approve of this message?

I'm pretty sure he's saying the potential is there. Buxton has God given talent of epic proportions, rarely seen in baseball. Whether or not he is fully able to harness it remains to be seen. Hence many folks (myself included) are hoping that Baldelli can help him along that path.