Mackey/Wetmore: 2016 Twins Roster

[Seth Stohs]

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/With_an_eye_toward_the_future_what_will_the_2016_Twins_look_like071814

 

It's always fun to think about the future. At 1500ESPN, Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore posted their 2016 Twins roster/lineup/rotation/bullpen. It's definitely an interesting article and fun to think about. What are your thoughts on their rosters and what would your 25-man roster look like?

[righty8383]

Derek has Berrios in the pen while May is in the rotation. That is completely illogical to me

[Mr. Brooks]

The more illogical guess, to me, is that they both think the Twins will actually take Berrios north out of Spring Training, AT AGE 21, while we are currently looking at May and Meyer (a top 30 prospect!!) potentially being 25 years old before they get their first taste of MLB.

 

Sorry guys, not happening, not in this organization.

[JB_Iowa]

The more illogical guess, to me, is that they both think the Twins will actually take Berrios north out of Spring Training, AT AGE 21, while we are currently looking at May and Meyer (a top 30 prospect!!) potentially being 25 years old before they get their first taste of MLB.

 

Sorry guys, not happening, not in this organization.

 

Perhaps but Berrios is really forcing their hand so far. We're talking 2016 so a year and a half from now.

 

Are you going to keep him in AA and AAA for more than that if he continues to excel?

[Mr. Brooks]

Perhaps but Berrios is really forcing their hand so far. We're talking 2016 so a year and a half from now.

 

Are you going to keep him in AA and AAA for more than that if he continues to excel?

 

 

Would I? No, but the Twins will. Actions speak louder than words and the actions show that the Twins are not willing to promote starting pitchers until they are cost controlled into their 30's.

[Twins Twerp]

Would I? No, but the Twins will. Actions speak louder than words and the actions show that the Twins are not willing to promote starting pitchers until they are cost controlled into their 30's.

Meyer, as you know, is not ripping it up at AAA. He is learning a changeup and is not yet polished. Remember how long it takes for 6'9 guys to develop #thebigunit? May would be up right now if not for an injury. So those silly comments are unwarranted. Lets pump the brakes on Berrios as well. He has been pushed (youngest pitcher in AA) yet we are bitching about what might happen in the future?

 

Our rebuild is going much better than Astros and we have some pitchers unlike chicago (n).

[Seth Stohs]

Would I? No, but the Twins will. Actions speak louder than words and the actions show that the Twins are not willing to promote starting pitchers until they are cost controlled into their 30's.

 

Mauer, Arcia, Santana, there are plenty of examples of guys who flew up the system. If Buxton and Sano would have been healthy all year, both of them would be up. It's obviously a case-by-case thing.

 

I think Berrios could be up here by the end of next year, but AA is going to be the biggest jump and AAA doesn't get easier. He's got a bit to prove yet. So, I think Opening Day 2016 is realistic, but a lot of has to happen, including staying healthy.

[Mr. Brooks]

Mauer, Arcia, Santana, there are plenty of examples of guys who flew up the system. If Buxton and Sano would have been healthy all year, both of them would be up. It's obviously a case-by-case thing.

 

I think Berrios could be up here by the end of next year, but AA is going to be the biggest jump and AAA doesn't get easier. He's got a bit to prove yet. So, I think Opening Day 2016 is realistic, but a lot of has to happen, including staying healthy.

 

 

I don't dispute the position players. Berrios is a pitcher. The evidence points to the Twins being much more conservative in promoting their pitching prospects to the MLB.

[Mr. Brooks]

Meyer, as you know, is not ripping it up at AAA. He is learning a changeup and is not yet polished. Remember how long it takes for 6'9 guys to develop #thebigunit? May would be up right now if not for an injury. So those silly comments are unwarranted. Lets pump the brakes on Berrios as well. He has been pushed (youngest pitcher in AA) yet we are bitching about what might happen in the future?

 

Our rebuild is going much better than Astros and we have some pitchers unlike chicago (n).

 

 

1) Meyer has 3.30 ERA, opponents cant hit him (.220 BA against), and has nearly 10 K/9. I'm not sure what more we need to see.

If you are waiting for him to be "consistent", get ready to wait about 4 or 5 more years before we see him up, because a young 6'9" pitcher is never going to be consistent. His big frame is going to at times lead to a breakdown of his mechanics. With Meyer, you have to go by his OVERALL numbers, (which have been superb) and be willing to live with the occasional dud.

 

2) Link to where Terry Ryan or Anthony said that May for sure would be up right now if not injured? Otherwise that is just speculation. Maybe he would, but I doubt it.

[TKGuy]

I think Meyer and May will be up before the end of the year. Here's hoping Correia turns in another good outing, meaning his time with the team may be short. As for Meyer, he's seemed to be on an 85-90 pitch limit most of the year, just now being stretched out. I would agree that May probably could have taken at least one of the spot starts by now

[Lakeside]

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/With_an_eye_toward_the_future_what_will_the_2016_Twins_look_like071814

 

It's always fun to think about the future. At 1500ESPN, Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore posted their 2016 Twins roster/lineup/rotation/bullpen. It's definitely an interesting article and fun to think about. What are your thoughts on their rosters and what would your 25-man roster look like?

 

I think these line-ups are pretty logical when considering who we have under control and, at least one assumes retaining Suzuki.

 

Possibility #1 - That Nolasco is not there and that both May and Berrios are SPs. Nolasco not on the team would take the right circumstance, but I'm guessing that in the right situation they could move him -- possibly eating part of the contract

 

Possibility #2-- The lineup, IMO, is home run challenged unless Vargas starts right up, Arcia starts to hit, and Dozier continues his pace. I would suggest using the money saved by Willingham, Correie, Pelfrey, Morales, etc. to get somebody who we could "count on" for 20Hrs annually.

[mnfireman]

Radke was 22, Erickson was 22, Lohse was 22, Liriano's best year he was 22, Milton was 22, and there are more. But yes, the team seems like they prefer their pitchers to be 25 or older, which may work against them in the future. If a kid is ready, bring them up. The Rays, Cards, Braves and a few other teams seem to be having some success doing this.

[Twins Twerp]

1) Meyer has 3.30 ERA, opponents cant hit him (.220 BA against), and has nearly 10 K/9. I'm not sure what more we need to see.

If you are waiting for him to be "consistent", get ready to wait about 4 or 5 more years before we see him up, because a young 6'9" pitcher is never going to be consistent. His big frame is going to at times lead to a breakdown of his mechanics. With Meyer, you have to go by his OVERALL numbers, (which have been superb) and be willing to live with the occasional dud.

 

2) Link to where Terry Ryan or Anthony said that May for sure would be up right now if not injured? Otherwise that is just speculation. Maybe he would, but I doubt it.

Speculation? This whole site, this thread, the article, your post, is all speculation. So yes that is speculation. But the fact that he was injured means cannot be used against management.

 

Meyers overall numbers are good. But he did just have 3 outings in a row where he did not pitch in the 4th inning. Dont get me wrong, I think that he is going to be great and should be called up soon. May is next in line and I am crossing my fingers for Tuesday. Meyer needs to be put on 40 (which is a small hurdle but one nonetheless) which hopefully comes after a trade of KC. Both these guys are going to be good, i just feel being conservative with both these guys is the correct route. They both have half a season at AAA. AAA is very important for pitchers and not so for hitters to the twins brass, which seems to be more common in the league imo.

[Mr. Brooks]

Speculation? This whole site, this thread, the article, your post, is all speculation. So yes that is speculation. But the fact that he was injured means cannot be used against management.

 

Meyers overall numbers are good. But he did just have 3 outings in a row where he did not pitch in the 4th inning. Dont get me wrong, I think that he is going to be great and should be called up soon. May is next in line and I am crossing my fingers for Tuesday. Meyer needs to be put on 40 (which is a small hurdle but one nonetheless) which hopefully comes after a trade of KC. Both these guys are going to be good, i just feel being conservative with both these guys is the correct route. They both have half a season at AAA. AAA is very important for pitchers and not so for hitters to the twins brass, which seems to be more common in the league imo.

 

So why are we arguing? That is my point.

The Twins are more conservative with their pitchers than they are their hitters.

Berrios starting out of ST at age 21 seems like an extreme longshot to me.

[jokin]

1) Meyer has 3.30 ERA, opponents cant hit him (.220 BA against), and has nearly 10 K/9. I'm not sure what more we need to see.

If you are waiting for him to be "consistent", get ready to wait about 4 or 5 more years before we see him up, because a young 6'9" pitcher is never going to be consistent. His big frame is going to at times lead to a breakdown of his mechanics. With Meyer, you have to go by his OVERALL numbers, (which have been superb) and be willing to live with the occasional dud.

 

2) Link to where Terry Ryan or Anthony said that May for sure would be up right now if not injured? Otherwise that is just speculation. Maybe he would, but I doubt it.

 

Actually, his K/9 is 10.10, his K% is 26.2%, both numbers lead the International League, despite the fact that he's the second youngest qualified pitcher in the League. And, one only needs to trace the career of Randy Johnson to see that you are spot on regarding Meyer and the consistency "hurdle". In sum, all of this is not idle speculation, this is reasoned inference of a likely outcome. Meyer really has little left to learn at AAA, save continued work on his change-up. The Twins have been out of the playoff hunt for quite some time, this is the right time once a roster spot opens up for Meyer to continue his learning process with his few remaining innings before shutdown, at the major league level.

[Rosterman]

No Nolasco. With his contract, that is a name you will float on the waiver wire in August and depending on your circumstances, let him move, especially at his current abilities. You can always reinvest that money in another gamble. He is an example of a player you do overpay hoping you get production to either trade, or that he keeps a modicum of value that someone will want him for anything, even if it becomes simply a salary dump so you don't have to eat his salary. if he pitches to 8-12 wth a 4.35 era at next years all-star break, someone will trade for bim and his remaining contract.

 

I also see someone other than Chris Herrmann as a backuo at catcher. I almost doubt that Chris will remain on the 40-man going into next season. One of the AA or even Ft. Myers guys will be up come 2016. And a veteran or two will be in the bullpen with Nolasco gone and May in the rotation for sure, plus Kohl Stewart in the wings. Not to mention one or two of the guys drafted this year.

[Oxtung]

I think these are fairly unrealistic representations of the future roster. The Twins will add veteran reclamations and a FA or 3 to the roster. I also believe it's unrealistic to believe Sano or Berrios will be up to start 2016. They'll start both back at AA to begin 2015. Also Polanco would really have to fly to get here to start 2016. Another question is who will be the random guy who blooms late and comes out of the minors a la Thielbar, Colabello, Pinto, Parmelee.

[drjim]

The more illogical guess, to me, is that they both think the Twins will actually take Berrios north out of Spring Training, AT AGE 21, while we are currently looking at May and Meyer (a top 30 prospect!!) potentially being 25 years old before they get their first taste of MLB.

 

Sorry guys, not happening, not in this organization.

 

I agree that it would be quick for Berrios to be up that early, but May and Meyer have very little to do with Berrios.

[drjim]

I think these are fairly unrealistic representations of the future roster. The Twins will add veteran reclamations and a FA or 3 to the roster. I also believe it's unrealistic to believe Sano or Berrios will be up to start 2016. They'll start both back at AA to begin 2015. Also Polanco would really have to fly to get here to start 2016. Another question is who will be the random guy who blooms late and comes out of the minors a la Thielbar, Colabello, Pinto, Parmelee.

 

I agree with you, there will certainly be free agent additions between now and then, this has to be seen as more a look at organizational depth, much like BA does in the prospect handbook.

 

I agree on Berrios, but Sano has a good shot to be up halfway through the season next year, assuming health. He was borderline last September.

[Otwins]

I think Plouffe and possibly Parmelee will still be with the team in 2016. Arcia is not a good outfielder. I think Plouffe starts in the outfield and is 3B backup. Also think opening day 2016 too early for Polanco. I project Escobar still at SS and Berrios comes up after super 2 date in 2016. Not opening day. Looks like a much more enjoyable team to watch than this version.

[mudcat14]

Santana will be the everyday SS before THIS season ends. Dozier will be a trade chip by next year.

[Oxtung]

I agree with you, there will certainly be free agent additions between now and then, this has to be seen as more a look at organizational depth, much like BA does in the prospect handbook.

 

I agree on Berrios, but Sano has a good shot to be up halfway through the season next year, assuming health. He was borderline last September.

 

Yeah you're probably right about the approach they took.

 

Do you think they start Sano at AAA next season when he returns? Do they start him at AA for just a month while he gets his timing back and then move him up to AAA before getting a call up? Do you think he starts at AA and eventually jumps straight to the majors? Do you think he spends 2015 in the minors with perhaps a Sept call up and then get slotted into the 2016 lineup from day 1?

 

I think with a year off he will require time at AA to regain his timing, half a season seems to be the usual time frame. That would only give him half a season at AAA with a Sept call up being his only time in the majors. That seems awfully quick to me to just slot him into the opening day lineup. IMO I think it's more likely we see Sano mid-way through 2016 at some point. Of course all of this presumes that he comes back and is the same player.

[drjim]

Yeah you're probably right about the approach they took.

 

Do you think they start Sano at AAA next season when he returns? Do they start him at AA for just a month while he gets his timing back and then move him up to AAA before getting a call up? Do you think he starts at AA and eventually jumps straight to the majors? Do you think he spends 2015 in the minors with perhaps a Sept call up and then get slotted into the 2016 lineup from day 1?

 

I think with a year off he will require time at AA to regain his timing, half a season seems to be the usual time frame. That would only give him half a season at AAA with a Sept call up being his only time in the majors. That seems awfully quick to me to just slot him into the opening day lineup. IMO I think it's more likely we see Sano mid-way through 2016 at some point. Of course all of this presumes that he comes back and is the same player.

 

I would agree he starts at AA. What happens from there is up to him. I really honestly believe the Twins will call him up as soon as he is ready, whether that is from AA or AAA. Mid-2016 just seems too far away. I expect some rust early, but see no reason he can't regain his form from last year relatively quickly especially since he will get some Winter League action.

 

But, as you said, this depends on him regaining his form. TJ for a hitter just doesn't seem to be a devastating long term injury (aside from time lost).

[Oxtung]

I would agree he starts at AA. What happens from there is up to him. I really honestly believe the Twins will call him up as soon as he is ready, whether that is from AA or AAA. Mid-2016 just seems too far away. I expect some rust early, but see no reason he can't regain his form from last year relatively quickly especially since he will get some Winter League action.

 

But, as you said, this depends on him regaining his form. TJ for a hitter just doesn't seem to be a devastating long term injury (aside from time lost).

 

I think how they handle Buxton this year will tell us a lot about how they will handle Sano's promotion schedule next season. Do they move them up as soon as they show they've regained their timing/form or do they wait for half a season or so. Winter League is a good point.

 

Thanks for the discussion.

[drjim]

I think how they handle Buxton this year will tell us a lot about how they will handle Sano's promotion schedule next season. Do they move them up as soon as they show they've regained their timing/form or do they wait for half a season or so. Winter League is a good point.

 

Thanks for the discussion.

 

Assuming the beaning on the wrist is minor, I think Buxton gets up to AA pretty quick and does the Arizona Fall League. He won't start in the majors next year no matter what he does, but if he performs how he can I think he can he will up really quickly.

 

With the best four years and all the hype of prospects the franchise is selling, if Buxton is killing it and they are still running out mediocrity in cf they can't afford to wait for super 2. And they won't.

[beckmt]

I think the success the Cardinals are having with young pitchers should speak volumes to the Twins to get the young arms up here. May hopefully will be up in the next couple of weeks and Meyer should show up in September. Berrios in 2016 may be a reach, but he may make it. Stewart should be here in 2017, so the future is bright. Now if we can find some hitters.

[TwinsTerritory]

I'll take a shot at it. Fingers crossed that Sano can stick at 3B. Not sold that Vargas will ever hit well enough to be a full-time DH, but hope I'm wrong. Guessing Berrios starts at AAA, but comes up in some role in 2016.

 

1. Buxton CF

2. Rosario LF

3. Mauer 1B

4. Sano 3B

5. Dozier 2B

6. Arcia RF

7. Pinto DH

8. Suzuki (or someone not currently in the org) C

9. Polanco SS

 

Bench-Plouffe 3B/OF, Santana SS/OF, Herrmann C/OF, Hicks OF

 

SP-Meyer, Hughes, Gibson, Nolasco, May

RP-Perkins, Tonkin, Theilbar, Fien, Burdi, Ibarra, Pressly

[Shane Wahl]

I'll take a shot at it. Fingers crossed that Sano can stick at 3B. Not sold that Vargas will ever hit well enough to be a full-time DH, but hope I'm wrong. Guessing Berrios starts at AAA, but comes up in some role in 2016.

 

1. Buxton CF

2. Rosario LF

3. Mauer 1B

4. Sano 3B

5. Dozier 2B

6. Arcia RF

7. Pinto DH

8. Suzuki (or someone not currently in the org) C

9. Polanco SS

 

Bench-Plouffe 3B/OF, Santana SS/OF, Herrmann C/OF, Hicks OF

 

SP-Meyer, Hughes, Gibson, Nolasco, May

RP-Perkins, Tonkin, Theilbar, Fien, Burdi, Ibarra, Pressly

 

This is pretty close, I think. I bet Pinto makes it as a catcher. With that, then Vargas can DH:

 

1. Buxton, CF

2. Mauer, 1B

3. Sano, 3B

4. Vargas, DH

5. Dozier, 2B

6. Arcia, RF

7. Pinto, C

8. Rosario, LF

9. Polanco/Santana SS

 

Bench: Santana/Polanco (Santana providing IF/OF possibilities), Hicks (OF), Herrmann (C/OF), Plouffe (3B/OF)

 

Starters: same

Bullpen: Perkins, Burdi, Tonkin, Lefty (probably not Ibarra or Thielbar), Achter, Oliveros, Guerra

[blairpaul715]

My shot at it: Starters: Hughes, Meyer, Nolasco, May, Gibson----could be a decent rotation

Relievers: Perkins, Tonkin, Pressly, Deduno, Achter, Darnell, Kris Johnson

Starting lineup

SS Santana

1st Mauer

CF Buxton

DH Vargas

3rd Sano

LF Arcia

C Free Agent

2nd Rosario

RF Hicks

Bench: Escobar, Parmalee, Pinto, Plouffe

 

I think they trade Dozier......someone will like his power, but my opinion he has limited ceiling, and is close or already there......I don't see him hitting anywhere near .275 or .280

[beckmt]

My shot at the lineup

Starters Hughes, Meyer, Nolasco, May, Gibson

Relievers, Perkins, Tonkin, Thielbar, Pressly, Burdi, Darnell, Fien

Starting Lineup

SS - Santana

1st - Mauer

2nd - Polanco

3rd - Sano

LF - Arcia

CF - Buxton

RF - Rosario

C - Pinto

DH - Morales

Bench - Escobar, Plouffe, Parmalee, Hicks

 

Could see another young pitcher as part of the return for Dozier. If Twins cannot get that, then Dozier probably will still be here.