With the All-Star break upon us, many have taken a breath and looked at the Twins on how they managed to carry a very good record into the last 73 games of the season. It is near-unanamous that the Twins need bullpen help this year and perhaps beyond, and that there is organizational weakness at catcher, with no receiver in the system projected to be a major league regular.
Also there is agreement that the Twins farm system is deep with talent except for catching, with either young regulars or good prospects in the high minors at all other positions, including pitching. Top prospects Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton have made their debuts along with Eddie Rosario, who has become a regular since his recall in May. There are several players who must be added to the 40-man roster after this season is over and only three veteran players on the last year of their contracts (Hunter, Pelfrey, and Duensing).
Is there room to add the dozen or so guys with major league upside? I sincerely doubt that is the case. I think this is part of the rationale for trading some of the team's prospects in exchange for filling a need (relief pitching short-term and catching long-term). There is risk in a maneuver like this--what if Player A is a bust and the Twins traded Player B who succeeds at the same position? That's why they pay the general manager and his staff the big money. By my count, the Twins have at least six outfielders 25 and under that could be in the majors by sometime in 2016, if not sooner. There are middle infielders at Rochester and Chattanooga who profile to make the major leagues and not all of them will get a chance. Finally, beyond Berrios, they have plenty of pitchers who could contribute, but not dominate. I think the Twins have the chance to trade from strength and address problems this season. They will have 40-man issues this winter and would perhaps lose part of that depth because they couldn't protect them all. choose the ones to move and upgrade the bullpen and catching TR!
