Article: Reasons For Optimism

[Mike Sixel]

 

Ryan has already been quoted in the press and saying that Sano should be able to play the outfield.  He is athletic for a big man.

 

would be cool if he got some time there in the minors, if they are considering it......wouldn't it?

[Linus]

 

I would like someone to ask Ryan if there is a plan in place for Sano and Plouffe to occupy the same lineup.  I wouldn't expect Ryan to divulge exactly what the plan is, but I'd like to know if there actually is one.

Trade Plouffe before the deadline (assuming they believe Sano will stick at third).  His value will be at its highest and Escobar can fill in at third until Sano is ready.

[blairpaul715]

 

Trade Plouffe before the deadline (assuming they believe Sano will stick at third).  His value will be at its highest and Escobar can fill in at third until Sano is ready.

I like this idea, if it is for something we need for next yr and beyond, like a top notch defensive catcher with some offensive upside. I am also happy keeping him, if we think we can win in the next couple yrs with him.

[twinsnorth49]

 

would be cool if he got some time there in the minors, if they are considering it......wouldn't it?

I'm willing to bet he does before we see him up. If Ryan is posturing that way I'm inclined there is something afoot to allow that to happen. If he gets promoted to AAA sometime in June I think he'll go to play the outfield.

[drjim]

 

I like this idea, if it is for something we need for next yr and beyond, like a top notch defensive catcher with some offensive upside. I am also happy keeping him, if we think we can win in the next couple yrs with him.

 

A catcher like that being available in trade exists much more in theory than reality.

[jmlease1]

Why on earth would we trade a borderline all-star under team control? I'm more interested in an extension for Plouffe than trading him. This is a team that's starting to come together towards the end of a major rebuilding effort. That's not the time to start dealing players hitting their primes!

 

Sano is showing he still needs some work, but regardless of when he finally gets here they will find room in the lineup for him and Plouffe. Clearly, no one is established at the DH slot, the team should have a corner OF slot opening up (does anyone really expect Hunter back?) and there's room for someone to backup Mauer at 1B as well to get some ABs. 

 

Once you're sure Sano is ready and you still think there's no room for Plouffe, then you can think about dealing him, but we're nowhere near there yet.

[drjim]

 

would be cool if he got some time there in the minors, if they are considering it......wouldn't it?

 

If the bat is ready, I'd be fine with him learning LF in the majors. I'd rather he gets the reps at 3B unless they are moving him off it permanently.

[jokin]

 

I would like someone to ask Ryan if there is a plan in place for Sano and Plouffe to occupy the same lineup.  I wouldn't expect Ryan to divulge exactly what the plan is, but I'd like to know if there actually is one.

 

A week ago on Sunday, Antony admitted that Sano had not even begun throwing in the OF, and just shagging pre-game flies isn't going to be enough to hit the ground running in the majors as a starting corner OF.

[blairpaul715]

 

A catcher like that being available in trade exists much more in theory than reality.

Wilson Ramos??!!! Oh yea, we already had him LOL, but wouldnt it have been nice to have him today??? And I dont know that is is considered top notch, but much better than what we have defensively and offensively.

[bird]

 

I would argue the team really started to click after Rosario and then Hicks entered the lineup. After yesterday's 2-hit game, Rosario is hitting .273 (just 2 points below Mauer, although in fewer at bats) has 9 RBIs and his average with RISP is above .400. Hicks in a small sample size is hitting .244 but has come up with some key hits and walks. That's not even talking about the plus defense they're provided.

 

While I agree with this, they were doing pretty well before those two call ups, and most of the credit on offense goes to Plouffe, Dozier, and Hunter. Escobar and Mauer, and now Hicks and Rosario, are making for a more balanced threat. And I especially think the plus defense they're providing could be absolutely huge.

[bird]

 

Not really... the key to a minor league system is the elite talents, and the Twins' top two are position players. They do have some pitching depth, to be sure, but Meyer and Stewart have both slipped in terms of their prospect stock, so it's more quantity over quality at this point.

 

 

The key to a minor league system is the elite talents, for sure. I'm going to disagree with you, as I think the Twins have both quality and remarkable quantities of promising pitching prospects.

 

I'd say a fair definition of what "elite" means might be prospects earning a spot on a Top 100 list. The Twins have nine such prospects, and five of those are pitchers. In addition to this, Keith Law and John Sickles, among others, have commented about the fact that the system is loaded with pitching prospects, citing both the quality and depth in the system. No one has lowered their rating on Stewart or Meyer, and I'd be less quick to discount them. And you could balance out any sentiments you might have about those two by mentioning the likely rise in the stock of Hu, Gonsalves, and May, who were NOT on anyone's Top 100 list, but certainly will be in the future. May will graduate though.

Edited May 26, 2015 by birdwatcher

[Blake]

Seth, Pelfrey is having a career year so far.

 

 

[twinsnorth49]

Seth, Pelfrey is having a career year so far.

No better time to trade him.

[Blake]

 

No better time to trade him.

It was intended as a gentle rib of Seth.

 

I'm enjoying the ride and having a few laughs.

 

Unlike White Sox fans.

[Mike Sixel]

In this week's power rankings on CBS......they don't know what to make of the Twins, but have them 7th.