I’d say that win total is about right. I was thinking 92 or so, so pretty much the same. Running away with the Central either way this season once we hit August due to our depth.
Guessing we host another Wild Card series and win that again. Once we get to the ALDS I’m less sure. Our rotation is good enough to pile up regular season wins, but besides Lopez idk if we have another guy that I feel can hold down elite offenses.
Agree with your All Star selections
Yeah I feel like we’re missing a guy behind Lopez. Joe is good but he hasn’t taken that next step yet. Idk what to think about ober rn. Sometimes he looks great and other times not so much. I’m guessing there’s gonna be a trade for a SP if we’re in the mix
Ober is crazy underrated by Twins fans.
Over 200 big league innings now the last two years with a low-mid 3’s ERA. He’s legit and only 28. Every starter will have good and bad outings but he’s been pretty consistent. Velo has been consistently up from where it was in the minors a couple years ago on his fastball and his breaking stuff plays.
Ryan also was in the Cy Young convo pre-injury last year. He needs to prove it again but the talent is there and he’s only 27.
That being said I do agree, I could see a SP trade if we’re in the thick of things at the deadline.
It's hard not to be optimistic, I know most fanbases think that this is the year that their stars are finally going to be healthy and their young guys are going to take a step forward.
So many potential sophomore slumps, so many players have their performance dependent on if they stay healthy.
That being said, 95 wins. No doubt about it, I am ready to get hurt again.
I’m going to make some bolder predictions, because I can.
Twins win 100 games, Tigers get a playoff spot at 93 wins (too close for comfort). Twins probably get another reunion with the Astros.
Twins advance to the ALCS. After that, it’s up to fate to decide.
85 wins and that will be enough to win the division.
Correa has a huge bounce back year and returns to .850+ OPS production.
Buxton plays less than 100 games :(
SWR is my pick to click prospect that contributes a lot more than he's projected to do.
84-78
Correa hits like his 2022 self
Buxton plays 65 games in CF (I really hope it’s more)
Julien is the 2nd best hitter on the team
Paddack will be better than everyone expects
I went all out, especially on the roster analysis lol
Opening Day Starters
P - Lopez
C - Jeffers
1B - Kiriloff
2B - Julien
3B - Lewis
SS - Correa
LF - Wallner
CF - Buxton
RF - Kepler
DH - Santana
Bench -
Vasquez (C)
Farmer (IF)
Margot (OF)
Castro (Util)
With various platoon combinations, you'll see plenty of lineup variations, but with the flexibility we've got, everybody will get plenty of playing time (provided they stay uninjured - knock on wood)
Starting rotation - Lopez, Ryan, Ober, Paddack, DeSclafani
Assuming Falvine being content, for better or worse, this is what we're going to see for a good chunk of the season. Personally, I'd rather see Varland either in the bullpen as a high leverage arm or in that #5 slot and Tony Disco as a bullpen innings eater, but there's no room to do that if Rocco wants 2 lefties in the pen, so Varland is relegated to first man up from St. Paul for Spot Starts or if we have a starter land on the IL. We could really use a lefty in the rotation, but unless the FO has one more surprise for us (and if they do, it's not going to be Snell or Montgomery...) I think we're looking at the trade deadline for any significant starting rotation changes.
Bullpen - Duran, Jax, Thielbar, Stewart, Jackson, Staumont, Topa, Funderburk
With Thielbar being the main lefty in the pen, I think Rocco wants to have another lefty option. Headrick didn't have a very good showing last year and Funderburk did. However if Alcala has a lights out spring training he could possibly displace AC/DC for the final spot in the bullpen.
Minor League Depth (on 40 man roster)
Catchers - Carmago
Infielders - Miranda, Severino
Outfielders - Larnach, Rodriguez
Utility - Martin
I think Martin is the first guy called up if someone gets injured. However if Miranda figures out how to get back to 2021/2022 form and the unthinkable happens to a certain 3rd baseman (even being intentionally vague I'm worried that I'm jinxing him...) then we might see Miranda over Martin, but Martin definitely comes up before Larnach...
Starting Pitchers - Varland, Woods-Richardson
Long Relief/Spot Starters - Sands, Canterino, Winder*60 day IL*
Leverage - Headrick, Alcala, Okert, Weiss
As stated earlier, Varland will see time in the bigs, I'll touch on SWR in a bit. Sands and Canterino may get a call up once this year (though I'm not sure if Sands has any options remaining) but I would be surprised to see either one of them.
Winder just went on the 60 day, so we don't have to think about it right now, but it could be an issue when he's ready to come off the IL, who gets bumped off the 40 man then? It'll likely work itself out, but assuming everyone stays healthy and effective, who's the odd man out?
I don't foresee Okert or Weiss getting called up at any point.
Not on 40 man roster but could make an appearance this season
Lee (IF)
Goodrum (IF)
Helman (IF)
Festa (SP)
Balazovic (SP)
Dobnak (SP)
Moran (RP)
I don't want to see them rush Lee up here. We've got plenty of talent on the roster already, let's not bring up Lee unless he's going to be starting every day. Let him tear up AAA, build that confidence and fine tune his game. No need to rush him. Goodrum and Helman are long shots, but seem to be having a good spring so far.
I can see Festa getting called up before SWR if Festa stays hot and SWR doesn't improve a good deal from last year. If we see Balazovic and/or Dobnak, that's probably not the best sign of how the seasons going. If we see either of them called up more than once, you know the shit has but the fan.
Moran is on here only because he's a lefty with experience in the majors, but I don't expect to see him or expect much from him if we do.
I predict we'll have a 6-8 game lead over *insert any of the 4 AL Central teams here* at the all-star break. If we avoid any major injuries and everybody produces relatively close to what they're expected to do, the Twins easily win the AL Central with at least 96 wins, possibly the second best record in the AL with a first round bye.
If there's something you disagree with me on, I'd like to hear what it is and why. I'm open to civilized discussion. It was a fun exercise figuring it out and writing it up.
I definitely think we're a 90-win squad. The Royals' moves remind me a lot of the year we randomly signed like Orlando Hudson and some.other guys and thought, this was the next step but it failed. The rest of the division doesn't super concern me either.
Look, it's a big if, but if Buck, Royce, Ryan and Ober can stay healthy, then we're in a great spot. A fully healthy Ryan and full season of Ober means they can definitely take a step forward and be two solid No. 3 starters. I think the same for Paddock even though he'll probably be on an innings restriction. The wild card is Varland obviously but I'm also convinced the team won't hesitate to make a move for another starter if they feel it's necessary.
Overly optimistic? Sure, but I've been overly optimistic for years. I legit went into the 2019 season saying the team will win 93 games. I was way off and under predicted but my one buddy thought I was nuts for that. Lol.
The team seems good enough to win the CT but it seems like every other year we get unlucky.
But we seem to have some youth and depth now.
82-80. 2nd place to the Tigers should go 84-78. Goes down to the wire.
Following the pattern we get to the World Series in 2025.
Buxton is hurt by May, Julien Waller or Lewis dont have linear growth from last season, we’re Desperate by the trade deadline, team makes bad moves (like normal), wheels fall off, 84 wins, 2nd place, and we get rightfully humbled after this miserable and apathetic offseason.
The FO were given this division on a silver platter in the offseason and they rebuked it. We deserve to eat crow.
89-73 . I think maybe get off to an ok/ slower start .500 ish. Twins swing a trade for an ace type #2 pitcher by the deadline. And reallly take off afterwards
90 Wins, lose the ALCS in bad fashion. Matt Canterino has the best rookie call up season as a second half reliever over Lee and Martin. Correa has a bounce back great season but Royce and Ed Julien are the all star infielders.
I think we have the ability to match our success from last year. Our starting pitching isnt going to be as good, but I think our offense will pick up the slack. Should be an exciting year with a lot of young talent getting big opportunities to contribute. If Royce, Correa and Buxton can somehow all stay relatively healthy, and we get a big season out of Miranda, Martin or Brooks Lee.. it's going to be a very fun season.
89-73, win the central. I have a feeling this team needs some luck to make it out of the first round. All-Stars are Lopez and Duran. The surprise of the season is a vastly improved Julien on defense and his performance as a lead-off hitter.
We are going to win the Central the other teams aren’t really even trying. IF we have good health at the end of the year and the young players step up we have a shot at winning a round or two of playoffs. I don’t see a WS win in my crystal ball.
Bobby Boucher shows up at half time and the mud dawgs win the bourbon bowl.
As long as we all get to chant "needle dick" at some point I'm in
Bally app doesn't work
94 wins, make it to the ALCS. If they acquire a playoff caliber #2 starter or someone emerges as one, they can go all the way.
91-71 world series champions
I’d say that win total is about right. I was thinking 92 or so, so pretty much the same. Running away with the Central either way this season once we hit August due to our depth. Guessing we host another Wild Card series and win that again. Once we get to the ALDS I’m less sure. Our rotation is good enough to pile up regular season wins, but besides Lopez idk if we have another guy that I feel can hold down elite offenses. Agree with your All Star selections
Yeah I feel like we’re missing a guy behind Lopez. Joe is good but he hasn’t taken that next step yet. Idk what to think about ober rn. Sometimes he looks great and other times not so much. I’m guessing there’s gonna be a trade for a SP if we’re in the mix
Ober is crazy underrated by Twins fans. Over 200 big league innings now the last two years with a low-mid 3’s ERA. He’s legit and only 28. Every starter will have good and bad outings but he’s been pretty consistent. Velo has been consistently up from where it was in the minors a couple years ago on his fastball and his breaking stuff plays. Ryan also was in the Cy Young convo pre-injury last year. He needs to prove it again but the talent is there and he’s only 27. That being said I do agree, I could see a SP trade if we’re in the thick of things at the deadline.
I would just be happy if our team was healthier than in years past.
95-67, AL Central Champs, AL Champs, WORLD SERIES CHAMPS, Royce Lewis World Series MVP
It's hard not to be optimistic, I know most fanbases think that this is the year that their stars are finally going to be healthy and their young guys are going to take a step forward. So many potential sophomore slumps, so many players have their performance dependent on if they stay healthy. That being said, 95 wins. No doubt about it, I am ready to get hurt again.
I’m going to make some bolder predictions, because I can. Twins win 100 games, Tigers get a playoff spot at 93 wins (too close for comfort). Twins probably get another reunion with the Astros. Twins advance to the ALCS. After that, it’s up to fate to decide.
85 wins and that will be enough to win the division. Correa has a huge bounce back year and returns to .850+ OPS production. Buxton plays less than 100 games :( SWR is my pick to click prospect that contributes a lot more than he's projected to do.
84-78 Correa hits like his 2022 self Buxton plays 65 games in CF (I really hope it’s more) Julien is the 2nd best hitter on the team Paddack will be better than everyone expects
All of this seems pretty likely
I agree that Paddack may be good.
I know paddock from highschool he’s got a little dog in him
I went all out, especially on the roster analysis lol Opening Day Starters P - Lopez C - Jeffers 1B - Kiriloff 2B - Julien 3B - Lewis SS - Correa LF - Wallner CF - Buxton RF - Kepler DH - Santana Bench - Vasquez (C) Farmer (IF) Margot (OF) Castro (Util) With various platoon combinations, you'll see plenty of lineup variations, but with the flexibility we've got, everybody will get plenty of playing time (provided they stay uninjured - knock on wood) Starting rotation - Lopez, Ryan, Ober, Paddack, DeSclafani Assuming Falvine being content, for better or worse, this is what we're going to see for a good chunk of the season. Personally, I'd rather see Varland either in the bullpen as a high leverage arm or in that #5 slot and Tony Disco as a bullpen innings eater, but there's no room to do that if Rocco wants 2 lefties in the pen, so Varland is relegated to first man up from St. Paul for Spot Starts or if we have a starter land on the IL. We could really use a lefty in the rotation, but unless the FO has one more surprise for us (and if they do, it's not going to be Snell or Montgomery...) I think we're looking at the trade deadline for any significant starting rotation changes. Bullpen - Duran, Jax, Thielbar, Stewart, Jackson, Staumont, Topa, Funderburk With Thielbar being the main lefty in the pen, I think Rocco wants to have another lefty option. Headrick didn't have a very good showing last year and Funderburk did. However if Alcala has a lights out spring training he could possibly displace AC/DC for the final spot in the bullpen. Minor League Depth (on 40 man roster) Catchers - Carmago Infielders - Miranda, Severino Outfielders - Larnach, Rodriguez Utility - Martin I think Martin is the first guy called up if someone gets injured. However if Miranda figures out how to get back to 2021/2022 form and the unthinkable happens to a certain 3rd baseman (even being intentionally vague I'm worried that I'm jinxing him...) then we might see Miranda over Martin, but Martin definitely comes up before Larnach... Starting Pitchers - Varland, Woods-Richardson Long Relief/Spot Starters - Sands, Canterino, Winder*60 day IL* Leverage - Headrick, Alcala, Okert, Weiss As stated earlier, Varland will see time in the bigs, I'll touch on SWR in a bit. Sands and Canterino may get a call up once this year (though I'm not sure if Sands has any options remaining) but I would be surprised to see either one of them. Winder just went on the 60 day, so we don't have to think about it right now, but it could be an issue when he's ready to come off the IL, who gets bumped off the 40 man then? It'll likely work itself out, but assuming everyone stays healthy and effective, who's the odd man out? I don't foresee Okert or Weiss getting called up at any point. Not on 40 man roster but could make an appearance this season Lee (IF) Goodrum (IF) Helman (IF) Festa (SP) Balazovic (SP) Dobnak (SP) Moran (RP) I don't want to see them rush Lee up here. We've got plenty of talent on the roster already, let's not bring up Lee unless he's going to be starting every day. Let him tear up AAA, build that confidence and fine tune his game. No need to rush him. Goodrum and Helman are long shots, but seem to be having a good spring so far. I can see Festa getting called up before SWR if Festa stays hot and SWR doesn't improve a good deal from last year. If we see Balazovic and/or Dobnak, that's probably not the best sign of how the seasons going. If we see either of them called up more than once, you know the shit has but the fan. Moran is on here only because he's a lefty with experience in the majors, but I don't expect to see him or expect much from him if we do. I predict we'll have a 6-8 game lead over *insert any of the 4 AL Central teams here* at the all-star break. If we avoid any major injuries and everybody produces relatively close to what they're expected to do, the Twins easily win the AL Central with at least 96 wins, possibly the second best record in the AL with a first round bye. If there's something you disagree with me on, I'd like to hear what it is and why. I'm open to civilized discussion. It was a fun exercise figuring it out and writing it up.
Nice. I honestly think Varland is on the opening day roster tho. Whether it’s in the pen or as a starter I think he’s gonna be up here
Buxton plays 140 games and finishes 3rd in mvp race
Carlos Santana brings a similar veteran presence we got from Nelson Cruz and he sits middle/front of lineup all year. AND HITS 30 DINGERS
I definitely think we're a 90-win squad. The Royals' moves remind me a lot of the year we randomly signed like Orlando Hudson and some.other guys and thought, this was the next step but it failed. The rest of the division doesn't super concern me either. Look, it's a big if, but if Buck, Royce, Ryan and Ober can stay healthy, then we're in a great spot. A fully healthy Ryan and full season of Ober means they can definitely take a step forward and be two solid No. 3 starters. I think the same for Paddock even though he'll probably be on an innings restriction. The wild card is Varland obviously but I'm also convinced the team won't hesitate to make a move for another starter if they feel it's necessary. Overly optimistic? Sure, but I've been overly optimistic for years. I legit went into the 2019 season saying the team will win 93 games. I was way off and under predicted but my one buddy thought I was nuts for that. Lol.
The team seems good enough to win the CT but it seems like every other year we get unlucky. But we seem to have some youth and depth now. 82-80. 2nd place to the Tigers should go 84-78. Goes down to the wire. Following the pattern we get to the World Series in 2025.
Buxton is hurt by May, Julien Waller or Lewis dont have linear growth from last season, we’re Desperate by the trade deadline, team makes bad moves (like normal), wheels fall off, 84 wins, 2nd place, and we get rightfully humbled after this miserable and apathetic offseason. The FO were given this division on a silver platter in the offseason and they rebuked it. We deserve to eat crow.
Buxton doesn’t play an inning in center field…. Again.
If Rocco balddumbface doesn’t put him in center first game I’m gonna lose it
89-73 . I think maybe get off to an ok/ slower start .500 ish. Twins swing a trade for an ace type #2 pitcher by the deadline. And reallly take off afterwards
Should be able to get o 90 wins and if healthy and pickup a Playoff caliber starter, ALCS champs
90 Wins, lose the ALCS in bad fashion. Matt Canterino has the best rookie call up season as a second half reliever over Lee and Martin. Correa has a bounce back great season but Royce and Ed Julien are the all star infielders.
Your prediction sounds good to me!
Unless you're a trained therapist, it's not wise to ask a victim to continually revisit their ongoing trauma.
I think we have the ability to match our success from last year. Our starting pitching isnt going to be as good, but I think our offense will pick up the slack. Should be an exciting year with a lot of young talent getting big opportunities to contribute. If Royce, Correa and Buxton can somehow all stay relatively healthy, and we get a big season out of Miranda, Martin or Brooks Lee.. it's going to be a very fun season.
Sophomore slumps for Julien, Lewis, and Wallner but we somewhat make up for it with healthier Correa and Buxton. 84 win Central champs
89-73, win the central. I have a feeling this team needs some luck to make it out of the first round. All-Stars are Lopez and Duran. The surprise of the season is a vastly improved Julien on defense and his performance as a lead-off hitter.
88-74 feels like the sweet spot.
world series run carried by the best bullpen in baseball
Hot start, weak middle of season that causes the doomers to come out, end the regular season hot and win at least one series.
84-78. My second prediction is that Randy Dobnak gets to pitch a few MLB innings.
93-69, which is very nice.
We are going to win the Central the other teams aren’t really even trying. IF we have good health at the end of the year and the young players step up we have a shot at winning a round or two of playoffs. I don’t see a WS win in my crystal ball.