Opening Day 25 man roster

[DaveW]

With the 2015 season all but over, might as well look forward to 2016, put together your 25 man roster on opening day next year. Please describe any trades etc that were made as well.

 

1. Hicks RF

2. Mauer 1B

3. Sano 3B

4. Dozier 2B

5. Vargas DH

6. Rosario LF

7. Wieters C

8. Escobar SS

9. Buxton CF

 

Bench:

Arcia

Suzuki

Robinson

Santana

 

Rotation:
James Shields

Ervin Santana

Tyler Duffey

Phil Hughes

Trevor May

 

Pen:

CL: Jepsen
SU: Perkins

SU:Benoit

LOOGY: ORourke

LOOGY: Cotts

MRP: Tonkin

MRP: Whoever

 

 

 

 

Trades/Acqusitions etc:

Sign Wieters 2 year, 22 mil deal.

Trade Plouffe for a high upside SP prospect.

Trade Nolasco+Gibson+Polanco+PTBNL for Benoit and James Shields

 

 

Notes:

Berrios up sometime in June.

Kepler up sometime in June or July.

[drock2190]

But I thought you made a post saying the Twins will make the playoffs two days ago?

[DaveW]

 

But I thought you made a post saying the Twins will make the playoffs two days ago?

I wasn't counting on another Perkins implosion

Please stick to the topic at hand, per Twinsdaily rules.

[SwainZag]

Why would Wieters turn down a QO for 1 year at 14-15M then sign with the Twins for 2 years and 22M?  This is assuming they offer him one, which I have to imagine they will.

[drock2190]

That is one heck of a trade rape by San Diego.

 

Gibson is better then Shields this year. And Shields pitches in the easier league in a pitcher friendly environment.

 

What is everyone's fascination with Shields?

[DaveW]

 

Why would Wieters turn down a QO for 1 year at 14-15M then sign with the Twins for 2 years and 22M?  This is assuming they offer him one, which I have to imagine they will.

Good point. Yeah, maybe they would have to go with 3 years, 30-33 million? The two years was thinking it would be a good chance for him to "rebuild" his value.

[DaveW]

 

That is one heck of a trade rape by San Diego.

 

Gibson is better then Shields this year. And Shields pitches in the easier league in a pitcher friendly environment.

 

What is everyone's fascination with Shields?

I'm not sure rape is a good term to use, rape is a very serious thing and using it in a joking manner in this case is kind of offensive. (I'm not implying you are demeaning it or anything, just not a fan of people using that term like that)

 

Yes, Shields did struggle this year, but it's hard to argue with the 4 years prior pitching for the Rays and Royals (3.17 ERA) 8.0 k/9, 227+IP each year.

 

I believe that Shields is much closer to the 2013/2014 pitcher than the 2015 pitcher. Guys have bad years, I think he bounces back next year. Could I be wrong? Absolutley, but I think the risk is worth it in this case. Any "sure thing" 3.17 ERA  220+ IP type guy is going to be a ridiculous price to pay trade wise.

 

Additionally in that deal I propose, the Twins get rid of the Nolasco contract (and thus open up a spot in the rotation for a Duffey/May and eventually Berrios, plus they get Benoit back as well, which suddenly gives them a nice start to a pen with Jepsen, Perkins and Benoit on the backend.

[glunn]

Moderator note -- please stay on topic and be civil.

[Vanimal46]

That has the makings of a roster that's going for it. I just don't have confidence that TR would go that route.. I do agree that it's Jepsen's turn to be the closer and phase out Perkins in that role.

 

C is a big upgrade I'd like to make. Personally I'm not too excited of Weiters. I'd like to find a way to get a younger option like Susac, Plawecki, Hedges, etc. Plouffe or Gibson should be a feature piece to acquire one of them + prospect(s)

 

All I ask for the rotation is to find a way to get rid of Nolasco, and bring up Berrios immediately after whatever the date is that his service time's extended a year.

[bluechipper]

I like that opening day roster, but I don't think I would like giving up a top 100 guy in Polanco plus others for Shields and Benoit. I'd rather use those resources for a catcher like Kevin Plawecki. The Mets could probably use a second baseman. 

 

I'd like them to go after Tyler Clippard in free agency or maybe a guy like Drew Storen in a trade.

[bluechipper]

 

That has the makings of a roster that's going for it. I just don't have confidence that TR would go that route.. I do agree that it's Jepsen's turn to be the closer and phase out Perkins in that role.

C is a big upgrade I'd like to make. Personally I'm not too excited of Weiters. I'd like to find a way to get a younger option like Susac, Plawecki, Hedges, etc. Plouffe or Gibson should be a feature piece to acquire one of them + prospect(s)

All I ask for the rotation is to find a way to get rid of Nolasco, and bring up Berrios immediately after whatever the date is that his service time's extended a year.

I would like to target a young catcher too, just not Hedges. From looking at his numbers, he must be the best defensive catcher in the history of baseball to justify his prospect rankings.

[DaveW]

 

I like that opening day roster, but I don't think I would like giving up a top 100 guy in Polanco plus others for Shields and Benoit. I'd rather use those resources for a catcher like Kevin Plawecki. The Mets could probably use a second baseman. 

 

I'd like them to go after Tyler Clippard in free agency or maybe a guy like Drew Storen in a trade.

Yeah, I like the idea of going after Clippard for sure, Storen if the price is right as well.

Plawecki would be a nice get, I just don't see the fit. The Mets have Murphy this year as the 2nd baseman but I believe he is a FA this off-season, so maybe they need a 2B, I'm just not sure they would "trust" Polanco to be the man right away.

 

Basically, I would be fine with about a dozen different catchers, we need a mid to long term guy in ASAP.  I actually like Suzuki, but his arm just isn't up to snuff anymore, I think he would do great as a backup or even a 50/50 split type guy with someone like AJ. But going into 2016 with Suzuki only having Hermann or the likes backing him up? Not good.

[DaveW]

 

 

That has the makings of a roster that's going for it. I just don't have confidence that TR would go that route.. I do agree that it's Jepsen's turn to be the closer and phase out Perkins in that role.

C is a big upgrade I'd like to make. Personally I'm not too excited of Weiters. I'd like to find a way to get a younger option like Susac, Plawecki, Hedges, etc. Plouffe or Gibson should be a feature piece to acquire one of them + prospect(s)

All I ask for the rotation is to find a way to get rid of Nolasco, and bring up Berrios immediately after whatever the date is that his service time's extended a year.

Going for it, yes. But it's not "going all in" IMO.

 

In my scenario the only prospect you are giving up is Polanco, a nice prospect but someone you could survive without (esp with Escobar and Dozier playing like they have been) You give up Gibson as well, but get back Shields who more than likely would be an upgrade.

[Danchat]

Um, no thanks with Shields. I know he's got a great track record, but I'll pass on another 30+ declining starter. 

 

I'd love to get Wieters. Hunter probably gets signed and replaces Arcia. Arcia then rebounds with the Orioles/Blue Jays and finds success there. Interesting how you have Robinson coming back - actually, I'm OK with this - he's a good defender and didn't embarrass himself at the plate. He's a better 4th OF than Hunter is.

 

I think Buxton starts in AAA, but we'll see. Maybe he'll have a good spring training.

 

One other thing. I don't think the Twins will carry two "LOOGY"s-they barely even use Cotts or O'Rourke as actual LOOGYs. I'd like to see Pressly in the bullpen... ugh, no other young guys stepped up there.

[DaveW]

 

Um, no thanks with Shields. I know he's got a great track record, but I'll pass on another 30+ declining starter. 

 

I'd love to get Wieters. Hunter probably gets signed and replaces Arcia. Arcia then rebounds with the Orioles/Blue Jays and finds success there. Interesting how you have Robinson coming back - actually, I'm OK with this - he's a good defender and didn't embarrass himself at the plate. He's a better 4th OF than Hunter is.

 

I think Buxton starts in AAA, but we'll see. Maybe he'll have a good spring training.

 

One other thing. I don't think the Twins will carry two "LOOGY"s-they barely even use Cotts or O'Rourke as actual LOOGYs. I'd like to see Pressly in the bullpen... ugh, no other young guys stepped up there.

Shields is only 33, I think he has some gas in the tank and was pretty damn good in 13/14. It's definitely a risk though, but it at least has a nice reward (versus handing out big money to guys like Nolasco who only profile as a back end guy anyways)

 

Robinson can easily be replaced, but honestly, he fits in well, he doesn't need at bats every day and can field well and PR well.

 

Yeah, Buxton prob starts at AAA and that might be the best spot for him. In that scenario I think you move Hicks to CF and let Arcia see if he can lock down a corner OF spot, if not, bring up Kepler until Buxton is ready and figure out everything at that point.

 

You are right re: Hunter, that is a very real possibility, I just worry the Twins would wait far too long to pull the plug on him next year if he takes another step backwards.

 

I sort of "half assed" the last half of the bullpen, Pressley was a guy I forgot about, and yeah, Cotts I believe is a FA anyways. So perhaps ORouke is the LOOGY, Pressly takes Cotts spot and we try to sign someone else?

[jokin]

 

I'm not sure rape is a good term to use, rape is a very serious thing and using it in a joking manner in this case is kind of offensive. (I'm not implying you are demeaning it or anything, just not a fan of people using that term like that)

 

 

 

Given that assassination is a pretty serious thing too:

:

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"- L. Harvey Oswald

 

:whacky028: :talk028:

 

 

 

 

Is that something more like: "Don't Shoot The Messenger"?  or:  "Do As I Say, Not As I Do"?

 

But seriously, at minimum, signing AJ to a one-year with a mutual option year should be a priority if the Twins choose to upgrade at that position on the cheap (they've already committed their "big money" at the position, this seems like something that would be a natural thing for Terry to do, and AJ has to like the idea of coming home and closing out his career playing for a winner.  Doesn't really improve the defense, but keeps both catchers fresher, and it's an upgrade on the cheap- which Terry prefers).

 

 However, you're on to something pretty important... if they are serious at upgrading at their obvious weak links in the lineup... AND.. we're going to pursue a trade of Shields for Nolasco, how about getting Derek Norris in the package, instead of Benoit?  It's been documented that Shields is a student of pitching and a proven leader of his team's pitching crew.  In addition, the SP logjam has to be whittled back, and if it costs one more prospect, as long as it's not another Top 6 guy or Kepler, this would be a better trade than for Shields/Benoit.  And it seems like there are enough other decent RP arms in the FA market for the Twins to choose from to fill the gap in for one of the late-inning roles.

 

And what about SS?  Did Ian Desmond have enough of a down year to give the Twins the chance to nab him at a discount in years, if not dollars?  A juiced-up, incentive-laden contract on a one or two-year deal might be just the ticket for him to gamble on his ability to build up his value for another big contract with another team down the road.  That would give the Twins a former All-Star -level SS as a bridge until Gordon is ready- and Esco goes back to full-time utility role, where he has excelled, and seems better fit to fill.

[DaveW]

 

 

But seriously, at minimum, signing AJ to a one-year with a mutual option year should be a priority if the Twins choose to upgrade at that position on the cheap (thye've already committed their "big money" at the position).

 

 However, you're on to something pretty important... if they are serious at upgrading at their obvious weak links in the lineup... AND.. we're going to pursue a trade of Shields for Nolasco, how about getting Derek Norris in the package, instead?  It's been documented that Shields is a student of pitching and a proven leader of his team's pitching crew.  In addition, the SP logjam has to be whittled back, and if it costs one more prospect, as long as it's not another Top 6 guy or Kepler, this would be a better trade than for Shields/Benoit.  And it seems like there are enough other decent RP arms in the FA market for the Twins to choose from to fill the gap in for one of the late-inning roles.

 

And what about SS?  Did Ian Desmond have enough of a down year to give the Twins the chance to nab him at a discount in years, if not dollars?  A juiced-up, incentive-laden contract on a one or two-year deal might be just the ticket for him to gamble on his ability to build up his value for another big contract with another team down the road.  That would give the Twins a former All-Star -level SS as a bridge until Gordon is ready- and Esco goes back to full-time utility.

I think Norris will be tough to land, would love to have him, just don't see it happening without giving up a lot more.

 

I think Escobar has earned 2016 to be the full time starter, I am a big fan of Desmond, but I think he manages to still get a 3-4 year deal on the market this off-season. Not sure I woudl want to go that high, and as mentioned, I think Escobar has earned his spot heading into 2016, if he totally bombs out, then you can look to trade for someone at the deadline or so. But heading into 16, I think you give him the spot.

 

AJ is a no brainer as well if they don't decide to fix long term.

[jokin]

 

I think Norris will be tough to land, would love to have him, just don't see it happening without giving up a lot more.

 

I think Escobar has earned 2016 to be the full time starter, I am a big fan of Desmond, but I think he manages to still get a 3-4 year deal on the market this off-season. Not sure I woudl want to go that high, and as mentioned, I think Escobar has earned his spot heading into 2016, if he totally bombs out, then you can look to trade for someone at the deadline or so. But heading into 16, I think you give him the spot.

 

AJ is a no brainer as well if they don't decide to fix long term.

 

Yeah, would the Pads go for Stewart, Gonsalves or Thorpe as the additional prospect throw-in?  It would be tough to swallow the loss of Kepler, but I still might consider it.

 

And I agree on Desmond, I too am a big fan, it's a NO to me if the market is strong going out beyond 2 years.  But I still am not convinced, even though I like him, that Esco is a starting SS on a World Series contender. 

 

The other big hole can be filled relatively cheaply.  How about signing both Tommy Hunter and Neftali Perez?  Two very live arms.  Neal Allen did wonders with Jepsen. who was brought in with very low expectations, no reason why it couldn't translate with these two. Rolling the dice on these two guys, who should come in cheap on the FA market- and who both had some bad luck peripherals, changes of scenery, but most importantly, they both have retained their velocity. If they do bounce back like Jepsen, suddenly, all of that 7th-8th-9th inning crazy-quilt, bullpen patchwork of 2015, becomes a distant memory.  

 

 

[nicksaviking]

Not a fan of another aging pitcher like Shields, but sinker-ballers like Gibson sadly tend to have only a small window of effectiveness, so I would look to move him while he has good value.

[Secondary User]

I'm hoping Chargois can break camp with the club.  He'll be on the 40 man and will have a big league invite to camp.  With the exception of one poor outing at AA, he gave up 8 earned runs in 48 innings pitched.  Good K%.  BB% up a bit, but I'm willing to venture his first year back had something to do with that.

 

This team needs one or two of guys like Chargois, Jones, Reed, Burdi, or Peterson to step up and if they're not on the opening day roster, to force the issue and get on there before June.

[Pius Jefferson]

Trevor May should either be the closer or be in the starting rotation.

 

Since he wasn't up this year no reason not to continue the arbitration clock with Berrios. I think worth mentioning that the best rookies for financial and other reasons didn't start the season in the major leagues. 

 

My gut tells me the Twins  at best  platoon at catcher. The key is finding a younger catcher who can take over a majority of catching duties. My fear is the Twins settle for someone with hopes Stuart Turner can hit enough to be productive in the majors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Secondary User]

Don't forget about Pressly in the bullpen. He was a guy that was looking good until he got injured.

 

K% was up, good strand rate, nice ERA.

 

I think his injury gets over looked at the impact it ended up having on the Pen

[Shane Wahl]

Are you really sure that you want Wieters? I would prefer finding a way to get a promising catcher 26 and under. Wieters seems close to becoming Mauered at first base. And the bat is potentially in decline. And he is a significant injury risk.

[Platoon]

Trevor May has already alluded to the fact that relief pitching impacts his hip/back issues. When starting, the days off allow his back to "heal" and when RP the day to day grind does not allow this. True? I don't know. But if it is, there are two options. Back to the rotation, or a trade before his back does a Perkins on the Twins. Catcher? Kudos to Kurt for being one tough SOB. He would be a wonderful backup catcher. But you can deal with a defensive catcher who can't hit, or an offensive catcher who can't field, but the combo of both is not good. As for EE. Unless Santana pulls a Hicks and does a turnaround, which is very possible, or someone comes out of the minors earlier than expected, he is the best option at SS. But after you watch guys like a Corria, Lindor, or even his namesake in KC, the lack of range, and arm is stunning. To expand on another post. Can he play SS in the majors? Yes. Is he the SS on a consistent pennant contender? Not likely.

[jokin]

 

Trevor May has already alluded to the fact that relief pitching impacts his hip/back issues. When starting, the days off allow his back to "heal" and when RP the day to day grind does not allow this. True? I don't know. But if it is, there are two options. Back to the rotation, or a trade before his back does a Perkins on the Twins. 

 

"True".. I get your suspicion. Sounds like something his agent told him to say.  (Just kidding, sort of).

 

As for EE. Unless Santana pulls a Hicks and does a turnaround, which is very possible, or someone comes out of the minors earlier than expected, he is the best option at SS. But after you watch guys like a Corria, Lindor, or even his namesake in KC, the lack of range, and arm is stunning. To expand on another post. Can he play SS in the majors? Yes. Is he the SS on a consistent pennant contender? Not likely.

 

 

Yep.  I like the guy, but as I said, hard to imagine EE frontlining a World Series contender.  Here's a case where a top veteran for the next couple of years would have been part of the finishing touch on a perennial WS contender.  Too bad they missed on Tulo.  Ian Desmond has been the best Fangraphs-rated SS since 2012.  Had a down year in 2015, and is no doubt declining over all, but he'd be perfect for this team on a short-term overpay in the FA market.

 

At catcher, they have to do something, but they won't (unless AJ wants to come back cheaply).  I had forgotten that the Padres have a need at 3rd base (Solarte became their de facto at the position).  Perhaps Plouffe could be part of a grand trade to pry Derek Norris away along with Shields.

 

 

[Vanimal46]

I would like to target a young catcher too, just not Hedges. From looking at his numbers, he must be the best defensive catcher in the history of baseball to justify his prospect rankings.

You're probably right, his offensive numbers look a little too much like Butera. I don't really have a preference on who they target, as long as the C is relatively young with potential.

[Vanimal46]

Plawecki would be a nice get, I just don't see the fit. The Mets have Murphy this year as the 2nd baseman but I believe he is a FA this off-season, so maybe they need a 2B, I'm just not sure they would "trust" Polanco to be the man right away.

This is a little off topic, but wanted to piggy back off of your thought. I agree Polanco probably doesn't excite the Mets enough, but Dozier certainly could more than Polanco. What would you think of a Dozier for Plawecki + a top 5-10 org prospect? Ideally finding a way to get Steven Matz if possible.

[jokin]

 

Ideally finding a way to get Steven Matz if possible. 

 

FIFY

[bluechipper]

 

This is a little off topic, but wanted to piggy back off of your thought. I agree Polanco probably doesn't excite the Mets enough, but Dozier certainly could more than Polanco. What would you think of a Dozier for Plawecki + a top 5-10 org prospect? Ideally finding a way to get Steven Matz if possible.

That would probably take Dozier, Kepler, Gonsalves/Stewart to get Plawecki and Matz.

[twinsnorth49]

 

Trevor May has already alluded to the fact that relief pitching impacts his hip/back issues. When starting, the days off allow his back to "heal" and when RP the day to day grind does not allow this. True? I don't know. But if it is, there are two options. Back to the rotation, or a trade before his back does a Perkins on the Twins. Catcher? Kudos to Kurt for being one tough SOB. He would be a wonderful backup catcher. But you can deal with a defensive catcher who can't hit, or an offensive catcher who can't field, but the combo of both is not good. As for EE. Unless Santana pulls a Hicks and does a turnaround, which is very possible, or someone comes out of the minors earlier than expected, he is the best option at SS. But after you watch guys like a Corria, Lindor, or even his namesake in KC, the lack of range, and arm is stunning. To expand on another post. Can he play SS in the majors? Yes. Is he the SS on a consistent pennant contender? Not likely.

So because he's not quite as good as two of the top SS in the game he can't be a starting SS on a contending team? What backs up this claim other than the belief he'll just regress far below the above average SS he currently is? Why does this myth about him lacking arm continue? He has plenty of arm, where does this come from? His lack of range is also severely exaggerated.

 

Escobar's trajectory to the majors is the only evidence that provides doubt about him continuing his current level of play, and that still may bear out to be true. But for now, I'm totally fine with him being the SS on what should be a competitive team next season.