Matthew Leach

I’ll be honest, I just don’t really feel strongly about either way. But my bit forever has been “and I’ll tweet at you tomorrow,” and that’s the closest thing so I’m not changing it. Sorry it bothers you.

That's what they're called. 🤷

That's a wrap from CoPa. 112 down, 50 to go, #MNTwins on pace to go 75-87. Gnight, and I'll skeet at you tomorrow.

Hell yeah my dude. This rocks. Thrilled for you.

I think he's more of a Cake guy.

Maybe he was just available to popover from Memphis. Just hope he doesn't go muffin too many balls on defense.

When you can get the greatest home run hitter in Memphis Redbirds history (look it up!), you do it.

No, you're right, but I do think there's something to the idea that the best way to develop one starter is to begin with 10.

And you look at Jax, Varland, Duran, Sands and get a pretty good idea of how this team wants to build a bullpen.

I installed a camera to see what was going on with our water feature that kept being taken apart at night (I recently filled it with rocks with a central fountain so it wouldn’t be constantly muddy), figuring I’d see a raccoon. I hadn’t expected an all-night pool party! 😂
Mystery solved! ⛲️🦝🦝🦝🦝

Three solo homers, three GIDP. Sequencing may not be a skill, but it sure does matter in determining who wins and loses baseball games.

I definitely don't want to come across as suggesting they're above reproach or didn't make mistakes or people shouldn't be upset.

But after talking to a few people, I at least see where they were coming from on the Varland deal. (Thinking about doing a newsletter on this actually)

Our football bros group went to a game in Ypsi last fall. It ruled!

I was extremely surprised by the move when it happened. But I think when you frame it, as I think they do, as "good reliever for starting ML OF and elite LHP starting prospect," the process makes sense.

Now... are their evals on those guys correct? I do not know! We will see!

But also... Varland has been a good reliever, not a great one. Yes, he's got five years of team control, but relievers are so volatile that teams don't think of that the same way as five years of a starter or position player.

I just don't think things like what it means to Louie matter. Again, I understand why fans care about that, and these guys are humans and those things are real. But when you're making roster decisions, it just can't be part of the equation.

And one other thing, I understand there's attachment to a hometown guy, but that simply can't factor in. If you're talking about, like, a Mauer, somebody people buy tickets to see, maybe. But otherwise, you can't factor that in making roster decisions.

Have talked about this some, but I really think it was pretty straightforward: they were thrilled what they were offered. They think Roden is going to be an everyday ML OF, and they absolutely love Rojas. I don't think they were shopping him.

I mean, it's related in that, if they thought one of those guys was ready to start a big league game, they would. But Thomas Hatch -- or Jose Ureña, or Travis Adams, or whoever -- isn't blocking them. They'll start as soon as the FO thinks they're ready, and no sooner.

Whether they start Thomas Hatch Wednesday or not is completely unrelated to those two guys.

To be clear, for anyone wondering:

The timelines for Abel and Bradley are going to be strictly about Abel and Bradley. When the club feels those guys are ready to take a big league rotation spot, they will. If the club doesn't believe they're ready, we're not going to see them here.

I guess I just don't see the harm. If you think a guy might have something, find out. There's no cost, and it's not blocking anybody who might have a future.

Perhaps of note (perhaps not, but perhaps), Hatch pitched exclusively as a starter for Triple-A Omaha this year, and the Twins suddenly have need for a starter on Wednesday.

(actually, it might not be the last guy in the bullpen... I just looked at his BRef page)

Can't believe you're not familiar with the great Topeka Pepper Tragedy Of Aught Seven.

I mean, feel what you feel. I just think sometimes people overreact to the moves with the last few roster spots. Most teams cycle dudes through those spots all year, and a lot of the names aren't exciting.

No but I might say they're playing pepper.

It's the last guy in the bullpen. Doesn't seem to be worth that kind of angst IMO.

Twins have claimed RHP Thomas Hatch off waivers from the Royals. He is expected to join the Major League team tomorrow.

Woods Richardson to IL due to illness. Baldelli said yesterday that he’s been dealing with a stomach issue. McCaughan up, Wednesday starter TBD though Ryan would be on his regular fifth day.