Opening Day 25 man roster

[bluechipper]

 

No to Shields and Wieters.  Shields is not that good when we have young arms that can be better and I cannot see Wieters signing here, even though I would love it.  I just cannot see TR making any big moves.  Getting rid of Nolasco would be my first priority but I would not sacrifice future talent to do it. 

 

Hughes

Santana

Gibson

Duffey

Berrios

 

In the pen

Nolasco

May

Perkins

Tonkin

Milone (may start before Berrios if the Twins do their normal wait)

Ryan

Jepsen (he did so well I see them thinking that they are okay)

 

Hicks

Mauer

Dozier

Sano

Plouffe

Rosario

Santana

Suzuki

Buxton

 

Alex Avila (FA)

Vargas

Santana

Robinson

 

Kepler up later and bull pen will turn over from minor league additions through the summer and the inevitable injuries.

No Escobar or Arcia?

[jokin]

 

No Escobar or Arcia?

 

Yeah, that's a little harsh, I think they can do better than him starting at SS.  But getting rid of him? That's a little harsh. 

 

And the Twins will likely give Arcia another chance early next year to see if he can get 100% healthy and productive before they would cut the ties with him. 

 

And no Nunez, too? The Twins love their scrappy utility types... that they themselves recycled from the scrap heap... and prefarably in bulk quantities.   

[jorgenswest]

 

Hard to imagine who in baseball would be a bigger liability than Nolasco.  At least with Shields you'd have a guy who, even in decline phase, wouldn't have one phantom? injury after another, actually gave a damn about his team, and represented true veteran leadership to a pitching staff looking to make a run in the post-season.

If that is true, no one would trade for Nolasco without getting prospects also.

If the Twins end up having to trade prospects to dump his salary as well as take on another liability it would have been better to just release him.

[jokin]

 

If that is true, no one would trade for Nolasco without getting prospects also.

If the Twins end up having to trade prospects to dump his salary as well as take on another liability it would have been better to just release him.

 

My scenario would also include Derek Norris in the deal.  And it's hard to imagine Terry Ryan ever eating a $24M crap sandwich by simply outrighting Nolasco.

[bluechipper]

 

Yeah, that's a little harsh, I think they can do better than him starting at SS.  But getting rid of him? That's a little harsh. 

 

And the Twins will likely give Arcia another chance early next year to see if he can get 100% healthy and productive before they would cut the ties with him. 

 

And no Nunez, too? The Twins love their scrappy utility types... that they themselves recycled from the scrap heap... and prefarably in bulk quantities.   

I actually wouldn't mind having both Santana and Nunez as the utility guys next year. I like Nunez's solid all around skill set. I guess the question is whether or not they would rather have someone a bit cheaper to fill the position.

[DocBauer]

I actually wouldn't mind having both Santana and Nunez as the utility guys next year. I like Nunez's solid all around skill set. I guess the question is whether or not they would rather have someone a bit cheaper to fill the position.

I think you are either IN or OUT on Nunez. Seems to be only the two camps. I'm in the IN, or "like" camp. I don't care he's not a stud defensively or a big bat off the bench. He is solid in both phases of the game doing exactly what he is supposed to do; be a utility/backup infielder. He's solid defensively, occassionally quite good from a few plays I've seen, and according to Molly who talked about his improvement this season. He can run some, has a little pop, and can hit OK. Really, I just don't know what there is to dislike.

 

And my initial roster has 12 spots spoken for position wise. #13 could be a 5th OF, a 3rd catcher in some scenarios, or a second utility player. Why not Santana? I like his potential...assuming he never evolves in to a full time SS...as a utility INF/OF with speed and some pop. If he can play CF, which he can a bit, he can play LF also, if not right. There should be no reason he can't learn to play 2B. 3B? Maybe. It's a different skill set. But he's such a good athlete with a good arm I'd like to think he could learn it as well.

[DocBauer]

Back to the discussion of a veteran LH bat for the bench that can PH, occassionally DH and play once in a while; what about David Murphy? I honestly don't know much about him defensively, but I believe he plays both corner OF spots and should be available in FA.

 

LH hitter with a career triple slash of .274/.333/.765 with some power. Coming off a solid season. 34 next year. I don't have any career PH information in him at this time.

[bluechipper]

 

I think you are either IN or OUT on Nunez. Seems to be only the two camps. I'm in the IN, or "like" camp. I don't care he's not a stud defensively or a big bat off the bench. He is solid in both phases of the game doing exactly what he is supposed to do; be a utility/backup infielder. He's solid defensively, occassionally quite good from a few plays I've seen, and according to Molly who talked about his improvement this season. He can run some, has a little pop, and can hit OK. Really, I just don't know what there is to dislike.

And my initial roster has 12 spots spoken for position wise. #13 could be a 5th OF, a 3rd catcher in some scenarios, or a second utility player. Why not Santana? I like his potential...assuming he never evolves in to a full time SS...as a utility INF/OF with speed and some pop. If he can play CF, which he can a bit, he can play LF also, if not right. There should be no reason he can't learn to play 2B. 3B? Maybe. It's a different skill set. But he's such a good athlete with a good arm I'd like to think he could learn it as well.

 

Back to the discussion of a veteran LH bat for the bench that can PH, occassionally DH and play once in a while; what about David Murphy? I honestly don't know much about him defensively, but I believe he plays both corner OF spots and should be available in FA.

LH hitter with a career triple slash of .274/.333/.765 with some power. Coming off a solid season. 34 next year. I don't have any career PH information in him at this time.

I'd rather give those ABs to Arcia. I really think this year was a fluke, and after an offseason, Oswaldo is going to realize he needs to alter his approach a bit and get back to being a more complete hitter like he was throughout his minor league career.

[DocBauer]

I'd rather give those ABs to Arcia. I really think this year was a fluke, and after an offseason, Oswaldo is going to realize he needs to alter his approach a bit and get back to being a more complete hitter like he was throughout his minor league career.

 

Agree with you 100%!

 

But here is my concern; forget injury...forget any attitude problem with how his season worked out or his reported free spirit demeanor or anything personality wise...can a big, strong, whirlwind swinging-go for the fences Arcia adapt to being a role player off the bench?

 

Now, there are a couple very possible and very feasible rosters I can give you for 2016 where he is either starting in the OF, or is the team's primary DH. But it is just as easy, if not more so, to see his role...at least initially...as a reserve OF who would be asked to DH and PH occassionally. And I have reservations that his approach, his "game" could adapt to that on a successful level.

 

I think he's better off on a daily/mostly basis either with the Twins or elsewhere.

[bluechipper]

 

Agree with you 100%!

But here is my concern; forget injury...forget any attitude problem with how his season worked out or his reported free spirit demeanor or anything personality wise...can a big, strong, whirlwind swinging-go for the fences Arcia adapt to being a role player off the bench?

Now, there are a couple very possible and very feasible rosters I can give you for 2016 where he is either starting in the OF, or is the team's primary DH. But it is just as easy, if not more so, to see his role...at least initially...as a reserve OF who would be asked to DH and PH occassionally. And I have reservations that his approach, his "game" could adapt to that on a successful level.

I think he's better off on a daily/mostly basis either with the Twins or elsewhere.

That could potentially be a problem, but I wonder if really struggling for a whole year for basically the first time in his career would change his perspective on how to act and make the most out of his opportunities that he gets in the majors.

 

And like you alluded to, the Twins could possibly start the year with Rosario, Hicks, and Arcia in the outfield, and then go with what's working best when you add Buxton back into the mix.

[DocBauer]

That could potentially be a problem, but I wonder if really struggling for a whole year for basically the first time in his career would change his perspective on how to act and make the most out of his opportunities that he gets in the majors.

 

And like you alluded to, the Twins could possibly start the year with Rosario, Hicks, and Arcia in the outfield, and then go with what's working best when you add Buxton back into the mix.

On board with you. Look, we know Arcia is a young player and a free spirit. Not saying that is bad. Enthusiasm is great! We have NEVER, to my knowledge, heard he is a negative influence. But there is some suggestion in his approach that may indicate an undisciplined nature in his approach. I don't think that is shocking news to anyone. And you're right that a bad year might "mature" him, for lack of a better word, and he may settle down, listen to his coaches more, relax, try something different, and begin a more patient and disciplined approach. I hope you are right in your suggestion as I am a fan of Arcia.

 

Someone, I believe Nick, wrote a neat piece on Arcia a couple months ago that talked about his past couple of seasons, what he has accomplished, as well as a solid start to begin 2015 before his injury. And as I read the article, two thought came to mind:

 

1* I don't want to lose this guy and his potential to anyone else.

2* If I AM somebody else, this is a guy I'd really like to steal from the Twins if I could.

 

There is nothing shameful or wrong or disappointing in any way if the Twins decide that Buxton should begin next season in AAA. (My hunch is he won't have to, building on his experiences this year in the spring). Nobody guaranteed he'd be Willy May's upon his first promotion. Sheesh, but we get wrapped up in expectation at times. And should this happen, and Arcia make a firm step forward again, it would do nothing but increase the talent level and roster flexibility of the Twins.

[jun]

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.

I would like to see Gibson and Milone stay in the rotation.

I would like to see Nunez on the roster instead of Danny Santana.

For the bullpen, I would like to see only May, Perkins, Jepsen and Pressly returning next season.

[jokin]

 

On board with you. Look, we know Arcia is a young player and a free spirit. Not saying that is bad. Enthusiasm is great! We have NEVER, to my knowledge, heard he is a negative influence. But there is some suggestion in his approach that may indicate an undisciplined nature in his approach. I don't think that is shocking news to anyone. And you're right that a bad year might "mature" him, for lack of a better word, and he may settle down, listen to his coaches more, relax, try something different, and begin a more patient and disciplined approach. I hope you are right in your suggestion as I am a fan of Arcia.

Someone, I believe Nick, wrote a neat piece on Arcia a couple months ago that talked about his past couple of seasons, what he has accomplished, as well as a solid start to begin 2015 before his injury. And as I read the article, two thought came to mind:

1* I don't want to lose this guy and his potential to anyone else.
2* If I AM somebody else, this is a guy I'd really like to steal from the Twins if I could.

There is nothing shameful or wrong or disappointing in any way if the Twins decide that Buxton should begin next season in AAA. (My hunch is he won't have to, building on his experiences this year in the spring). Nobody guaranteed he'd be Willy May's upon his first promotion. Sheesh, but we get wrapped up in expectation at times. And should this happen, and Arcia make a firm step forward again, it would do nothing but increase the talent level and roster flexibility of the Twins.

 

I'd book the very high likelihood (barring injury to another key OFer), that Buck starts the season in Rochester and that Arcia is given every shot to make the team out of Spring Training (especially if Plouffe is traded). Watching how Arcia performs in Winter Ball will be the first indication on whether he's decided to take a more mature approach to his career (he plays on the same team as his brother, who will soon eclipse him at the major league level if he doesn't get his act together in 2016).

[DocBauer]

I'd book the very high likelihood (barring injury to another key OFer), that Buck starts the season in Rochester and that Arcia is given every shot to make the team out of Spring Training (especially if Plouffe is traded). Watching how Arcia performs in Winter Ball will be the first indication on whether he's decided to take a more mature approach to his career (he plays on the same team as his brother, who will soon eclipse him at the major league level if he doesn't get his act together in 2016).

Great post.

 

Similar, though not exact, for the same reasons for Berrios and Kepler to begin at Rochester. It may simply be more prudent, long term, to let a couple youngsters get a month or so of AAA time as the ML roster sorts itself out some. After all, Arcia is a prime talent, but out of options, and we are nearing the place where the rubber meets the road. Or, if you prefer, the leather meets the wood.

[jokin]

 

Great post.

Similar, though not exact, for the same reasons for Berrios and Kepler to begin at Rochester. It may simply be more prudent, long term, to let a couple youngsters get a month or so of AAA time as the ML roster sorts itself out some. After all, Arcia is a prime talent, but out of options, and we are nearing the place where the rubber meets the road. Or, if you prefer, the leather meets the wood.

 

I'm on board for all 3 starting in Rochester.  It's not only prudent management of those players financially and developmentally, it lets you set up a proper level of roster depth for a 162-game season, and gives an opportunity for more experienced veterans and other younger players a fighting chance to make their case coming out of ST, to establish value, either as an asset, to the Twins roster or in trade.

 

That being said, I fully expect both Berrios and Buxton to have a monster April and May and kick the doors in to Target Field sooner rather than later. Kepler might make his case a little more slowly, but I can readily envision a scenario where he earns a call-up by late June or July and the Twins become eventually become forced to place him in the lineup, much as they did with Sano, playing a little in the field and a bunch of time at the DH.

[DocBauer]

I'm on board for all 3 starting in Rochester.  It's not only prudent management of those players financially and developmentally, it lets you set up a proper level of roster depth for a 162-game season, and gives an opportunity for more experienced veterans and other younger players a fighting chance to make their case coming out of ST, to establish value, either as an asset, to the Twins roster or in trade.

 

That being said, I fully expect both Berrios and Buxton to have a monster April and May and kick the doors in to Target Field sooner rather than later. Kepler might make his case a little more slowly, but I can readily envision a scenario where he earns a call-up by late June or July and the Twins become eventually become forced to place him in the lineup, much as they did with Sano, playing a little in the field and a bunch of time at the DH.

We are just about right on 100%. Big question may be, health presumed, is the team "overstocked" at this point? Potentially? And we haven't even talked about Vargas at this point. Could the Twins almost be "forced", in a nice and productive way, to make a move or two at this point?

[jokin]

 

We are just about right on 100%. Big question may be, health presumed, is the team "overstocked" at this point? Potentially? And we haven't even talked about Vargas at this point. Could the Twins almost be "forced", in a nice and productive way, to make a move or two at this point?

 

Yep, they're rapidly reaching that very point in the development cycle. The roster crunch from below starts to make the situation tougher, with both the 6-year guys they want to retain and Berrios, Rogers and maybe some from the list of Burdi, Chargois,  Dean, Cole Johnson, Peterson or another random emerging LHP, will be looking to claim a 40-man spot no later than mid-2016. It looks like they're going to lose somebody pretty good in Rule 5.  

 

I'm anticipating that besides looking to move Plouffe and Nolasco if they can, this will be the year that younger guys at the end of the roster, and seemingly looking like they're now on the outside looking in, like Santana and Vargas and even Arcia, will be actively touted as throw-in bait or perhaps offered in stand-alone deals for younger prospects. Polanco and Stewart look like guys that will intrigue a lot of teams, but end up in a huge guess-the-true-ceiling poker game with the Twins on how much both sides of the potential trade actually value their upside.

[David HK]

 

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.

I concur, Dr.  We had all of these young flamethrowers with the hope that at least one, maybe even 2 of them would get to the big club by the end of the year.  Sadly, nearly all of 'em flamed out.  (I was drooling at the possibility of Burdi stalking out of the pen in July and August, then he just disappeared.)  That's why we had to suffer through with Barbarosa and Dunse and Thompson for as long as he did, and live with the Fien roller-coaster, yikes.

[ashbury]

Or, if you prefer, the leather meets the wood.

That would be catcher's interference, I'm pretty sure.

[Rosterman]

 

Key here is, obviously, OPENING DAY roster, and not what any of us think it will be a month or so in. LOL

 

Names of some are a little hard to plan at this point, not until the season is over and FA and trade rumors begin.

 

OF: Rosario, Buxton and Hicks. I think Buxton takes this season's experience and builds on it to warrant breaking with the club next year, even if he is still learning on the job. 

 

4th OF is a veteran LH bat yet TBD. I just don't know that Arcia could fit the role of part-time OF/PH/DH. If he could, that would be an obvious in house choice.

 

INF: Plouffe, Escobar, Dozier, Mauer, Sano and Nunez. Plouffe will also play 1B with Sano at 3B. You could do a lot worse than Nunez as your utility infielder with a decent bat and decent speed.

 

C: Suzuki and I still don't know. But to be honest, I'm really, really leaning the FA route for a year and AJ. I think we have a nice veteran duo there.

 

SP: Hughes, Santana, Gibson, Milone, May or Duffey (until Berrios comes up and Milone moves to the bullpen.

 

RP: Jepsen, May or Duffey, TBD, Pressly, Perkins, TBDLH, O'Rourke as probably winner of LH audition.

Pretty much agree with your choices above. It means we jettison Nolasco and just need a proper abckup behind-the-plate. The Twins have a logjham in the outfield if Buston starts. They have a logjam at first/third/DH if we keep Vargas and Sano and Plouffe and Arcia and Mauer. If Pinto isn't the backup catcher, than we have one less DH candidate. Unless the Twins see the need to upgrade any position (shortstop) with a top-tier free agent, I see few moves during the winter.

 

The Twins have a lot of dead weight in the bullpen. They have to closely look at what each pitcher and prospect brings to the table. Who is a ground ball pitcher. Who gets out righties, lefties or both. Can we have some heat, please. Right now, the list of names of Thompson, O'Rourke, Tonkin, Achter, Graham, especially Boyer, Duensing, Cotts, Darnell and maybe even Pressley are inetrchangable with msot pitchers that will be available as minor league free agents. The Twins could trade from their system (or Plouffe or Arcia) for a more proven arm. They could jettison pretty much all of the above and put equal faith in the guys who were supposed to come up this year. But all of the above (and also Fien) probably don't need to be kept on the 40-man, period. Will they find better work elsewhere? That might be debatable. Could you resign the majority of the above as minor league free agents, probably.

[ashbury]

Could you resign the majority of the above as minor league free agents, probably.

Doubtful. If they can't get a major league contract from the Twins, they might envision themselves as buried at Rochester barring some injury plague for the big club, and instead choose to sign the same minor league deal with any of 29 other clubs where they'll feel they have more of a clean slate.

 

_{^{/ I am not a pro athlete and perhaps do not know how to think like one.}}

[sane]

 

That would be catcher's interference, I'm pretty sure.

The leather cover on the baseball is now usually made of cowhide, not horsehide.

[mikelink45]

 

No Escobar or Arcia?

You are right - Escobar at short and Santana on the bench - but Arcia seems like the proverbial in the dog house guy and I see him traded before playing in the majors again.  And I think that is a shame.

[bluechipper]

 

You are right - Escobar at short and Santana on the bench - but Arcia seems like the proverbial in the dog house guy and I see him traded before playing in the majors again.  And I think that is a shame.

Yeah I think trading a guy with as much talent as Arcia has at a time when he is at his lowest value would be a terrible decision, so I'm hopeful that the Twins will give him a chance to see what he can do next year and then go from there.

[mudcat14]

I can't realistically project an Opening Day Roster with the data currently at hand.  I fully expect to see as many as five players on board who aren't currently in the organization. Obviously that means several men in the dugout today will not return.  Some are relatively obvious; Pelfry, Fien, Duensing or Cotts, Boyer, Fryer, Hermann, Robinson & Kepler.  I expect Buxton will open in AAA, but won't rule him out completely.  I've been clear that Plouffe should be moved to the highest bidder, and I also feel Dozier's trade value exceeds any future production he may provide.  Sano, Santana & Polanco have the tools & potential to be well above the curve at 3B, SS & 2B, respectively.  Escobar & Nunez provide the ideal insurance for each.  I expect a newcomer will be acquired for a regular or shared capacity at catcher and at least two bullpen arms.  Another spot or two will be filled by wildcard pick-ups.    

[twinscowboysbulls]

Well, Well, Well it's good to be back MackBrownSwa...., I mean VodkaDave or should I say DaveW.

 

Long time no communication. After quite the season, in which I was quite busy and frankly didn't have much time to post, I've been thinking about your OP quite a bit. Or at least my idea of a 25 man roster to start next year.

 

Starting Pitching:

 

I'm not sure how we go about this exactly, but we HAVE to find a way to move Nolasco. Idk, maybe LA believes they can get some value out of him again? It would probably have to be some odd trade, but it'd be great to find a new home for him.  I want to believe if that doesn't happen, we will at least set him in the long relief role. As far as our other veterans, I see Gibson, Hughes and Santana in the rotation. I beleive Duffey and May should fill out the rotation with Berrios waiting in the wings. If we can't find a way to get an elite starter, we need to see what we have in May, Duffey and Berrios. Enough crappy signings. I hope Hughes can bounce back, and Santana will be nice to have for a full season.

 

1. Santana 2. Hughes 3. Gibson 4. May 5. Duffey

 

Relief Pitching:

 

This is where I'm assuming most of you are most upset with TR. Not only did he make just 1 move (a move we thought would stink, but ended up being great) but he didn't allow the opportunity for a couple good arms in AAA to come up at the end of the season to help. Berrios and Meyer could've potentially solved some late inning woes, you never know. I also wish Terry would've made a trade for another bullpen arm other than Cotts.

 

Duensing has got to go. He's had some nice moments, but he needs to go. Graham will be in AAA. I think Tonkin should get a shot to be in our pen, along with Perkins, Jepsen and O'Rourke.  I'm not sure on the contract situation for Cotts, but I'm not so sure I'm dying to have him back either. I feel like I'd like to see Meyer back in the rotation to start the spring in AAA and then if it fails again, put him in the pen for good, meaning he'd be up in Minnesota by June at the latest to help out. I think we need to find a way to add at least a couple good bullpen arms this offseason.

 

CL: Perkins

SU: Jepsen

RP: Tonkin

Long: Nolasco

Loogy: O'Rourke

RP:  ?

LHP: ?

 

I really love how we are looking with our offense/defense. I think with a little more consistency, we could have a very potent offense. Just think, Dozier, Plouffe, Sano and Hunter all had extreme months/halfs where they were basically the entire offense or non-existent. Sano maybe shouldn't be included in that, but whatever. Maybe this isn't true, but Rosario, Escobar and Mauer were the only real consistencies on offense in my mind.

 

I'm not sure where Buxton starts next season. I'd love for him to be ready to take over CF from the get go, but I'm not sure if he can yet. More time in AAA might be best.  I say no to Hunter. I think he decides that as well.  Arcia may get a chance again to be the DH, but I hope it's only that. I love having that fast outfield that can track down all. I think if the price is right, we deal Plouffe for something with upside and hand Sano the keys at 3B. Can Mauer get back to where he was? I hope so. I also agree with your idea of finding a catcher and moving Suzuki to bench, it needs to happen. 

 

C: ? 

1B: Mauer

2B: Dozier

3B: Sano

SS: Escobar

OF: Rosario, Hicks, Buxton

DH: Arcia

 

Bench:

Robinson, Suzuki, Santana, ?

 

Very fun season Twins, now build on it.

[TheLeviathan]

CF Hicks

2B Dozier

1B Mauer

3B Sano

C Wieters

LF Rosario

DH Vargas/Arcia

RF Arcia/Kepler/Buxton

SS Escobar

 

Bench: Nunez, Suzuki, De Aza, Robinson

 

Rotation: Hughes, Duffey, Santana, May, Gibson

 

Bullpen: Perkins, Jepsen, Fien, Milone, O'Day, O'Rourke, Nolasco

 

We have the money to spend, let's unload for O'Day and Wieters and turn DH and RF over to the young guys.

 

[ckrolak]

The Twins' motto next year needs to be "The Future is Now!".  Unless they take a legitimate next step from this year, this year was in vain.  No more investing for the future.  They need to take advice from the Toronto owenership and be committed to getting the players necessary to win now.  There's no sin in doing that.  Having said all of this, I have no hope that the Twins' ownership will do anything closely resembling taking actions to win now.  This team needs offensive players.  It needs a true leadoff hitter.  Mauer should be given the respect he deserves -- at the bottom of the order or on the bench.  I'm sick of that albatross cashing those huge checks and not feeling sick everyday that he is not living up to earning them.  My only hope is in Molitor, Rosario and Sano.  They are the only Twins I have any confidence in.

 

Okay, that's my rant.

[TwinsCD]

Not gonna try to speculate on trades or FA signings.  That will just make my head hurt and frankly, I don't know who's available.  Also, I don't know the contract status of any of our players so I may be listing guys who are upcoming free agents.

 

C -- Suzuki

1B -- Mauer

2B -- Dozier

SS -- Escobar

3B -- Plouffe

LF -- Rosario

CF -- Buxton

RF -- Hicks

DH -- Sano

 

Off bench -- Nunez, Kepler, Vargas, catcher to be named later (bye bye Hermann and Fryer)

 

Pitchers:

Starters -- Hughes, Gibson, Berrios, Duffey, Santana

Relievers -- Perkins, Jepsen, May, Meyer, Milone, Tonkin, Fien

 

Hopeful offseason moves:

 

--A #1 catcher.  That would push Suzuki to #2 status and that would be a lot more palatable than some of the #2 options we've had since Ramos was traded away

--Don't care if it takes a trade for a bucket of wet baseballs and a pile of broken bats, GET RID OF NOLASCO.  His 2-game trial here in the last weekend was just a microcosm of his career with the Twins.  How in the heck did he win 5 games this season?

--I wonder what we could land in the pitching department if we dangled Perkins and/or Gibson and/or Milone on the trade market.  While I like the idea of a May/Perkins/Jepsen 7th-8th-9th rotation, I'm not all that confident that those 5 starters I have listed would be any better than what we trotted out this year.

--As far as minor league development, I would like to see Polanco taking that next step that Buxton and Sano did so that he is on the cusp of being brought to the big club.  And if Arcia shows no signs of getting his act together, get something for him.