Keeping the Faith
For those coming down on the Falvey and Levine, remember, they’re the ones who drafted Royce Lewis when many fans and “experts” alike considered either Greene, Gore and/or McKay to be the clear number one overall selection in the 2017 First-Year Player Draft. Not to mention, because of the money saved by selecting Lewis and after selecting Rooker and Leach, they were able to get Blayne Enlow in the third round. In 2018, they selected Trevor Larnach in the first round, who according to MLB.com, is the Twins’ sixth best prospect.
Once again, the farm is stacked! For the jaded fans not wanting to hear about “the next wave of prospects,” think about this, roughly 10% of minor league players will make it to the majors. Not many! Rightfully so, we were all excited when Buxton, Sano, Berrios, Rosario, Kepler and Polanco advance to the majors. At one point, all were ranked as top level prospects for the Minnesota Twins. While Kepler needs to become more consistent at the plate, both Buxton and Sano need to cut down on strikeouts and to figure out a way in which to stay healthy. On the other hand, the other three have emerged as good, if not, great MLB players. I don’t know about you, but I will take 50% right now with the potential to see improvements from the former. Oh yeah, the next wave of talent worthy to get excited about includes: Fernando Romero, Brent Rooker, Kohl Stewart, Nick Gordon, Lewis Thorpe and Stephen Gonsalves. Some of these players debuted this season and others are sure to reach the majors in 2019. The Big Three, as I will now coin them, and that all fans should be excited to see in a Twins’ uniform, include: Royce Lewis, Alex Kirilloff and Brusdar Graterol. These three will likely debut in 2020.
While it was hard to see fan-favorites, like Escobar and Dozier, as well as other players with expiring contracts traded this summer, the FO continued to pile up quality prospects. Whether these prospects are used as part of a future trade package to acquire MLB ready talent, or continue to climb the Twins’ farm system, is yet to be seen.
The decision to fire Paul Molitor should not come as a surprise to anyone. Falvey and Levine inherited him when they were hired two years ago, when owner Jim Pohlad said keeping him would be a prerequisite for the job. Most executives want to pick “their” guy, and like it or not Twins’ fans, they are getting their chance.
This is a big offseason for the FO. They have plenty of holes to fill, including a new skipper. They have money to spend. They have controllable assets they can either keep or use in a trade package. The 2019 season will be their third as the masterminds of our favorite organization. If the right moves are made, fans will see improvement next season. Will they be able to complete with the Indians in 2019? Maybe? Maybe not? However, if the right moves are made and players continue to develop, yes they will.
As Billy Joel said, “You can get just so much from a good thing. You can linger too long in your dreams. Say goodbye to the oldies but goodies. Cause the good ole days weren't always good and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems.”
Keep the Faith and Go Twins! ...
