Is there a way forward in TwinsWorld?

[Platoon]

 

 

I have been trying to consider, with pragmatism, over the last several days exactly what we have to look forward to and exactly what can be done to improve the Twins situation in the future. Basically, is there a way forward?

 

I have also been trying to factor in any FO or field management changes. And since nothing in Twins history should give anyone the idea that there will be changes made, I have opted to go with no significant changes. While there might be a sacrificial lamb thrown to the peasants, it's not going to be a game changer. One other assumption I made is that, there won't be any significant change in operational philosophy. Leopards seldom change there spots for stripes. Nor am I espousing any wishful thinking here.

 

That leaves us with the players. And as in any missive like this, assumptions based on history and averages. And that's where it starts to get scary.

 

On offense, let's work on the assumption that something will be done. I still think Plouffe will be dealt. Ryan, while not prone to monumental moves, is not a fool, and it has to be apparent by now that the current roster construction is not passable. It's also obvious that Buxton and Kepler will make it work, slowly, but they will. And Rosario is far from a lost cause. And I don't think anyone can consider Sano an OF anymore. Lastly, I just do not see how he can go about re-constructing this team without this move. It's like the key in an arch. I also base this on my doubts that he will give up on Park, Mauer can't be moved, and moving Dozier does not address the OF. And sadly, I think that's about it for the offense. Grossman has become an OF version of Nick Punto, and Nunez is Ryans validation that he can indeed make players into what they are not. History shows us that SSS are not ignored in TwinsWorld, they are celebrated.

 

The pitching situation is even worse. Guys like a Pat Dean come up, and throw strikes, manage the game for 5 innings, and leave within a run or two. But they are yet another iteration of the soft tossing control pitcher that propagates TwinsWorld. Duffy is a step up, but not ace material, Berrios has a chance, and then who?? There is a dearth of ready SP in the organization, that extends into the minors. As for up here, I don't think we need to get into the Big Three, albeit Santana has a modicum of talent, and could be serviceable.

 

The bullpen was supposed to be rescued by a plethora of young hard throwers. That really hasn't happened. Tonkin is here, Chargois was rumored to be here, but quite possibly broke Meyers record for fastest trip back to NY state. They spent three days bringing in a reliever who they now claim cannot throw back to back days? Plus, Ryan said yesterday they can't keep Burdi healthy, so who knows his situation. Abad should normally be dealt whilst on an upswing, but someone has to be able to get someone out, consistently. Not that it matters because sell high is not a term in the teams lexicon. And I don't think Perkins ever returns to days of yesteryear. And while Tonkin definitely has warts, in a lost season why isn't he given a long term audition for the closing role. He is the only one with any experience in that role, and has the tools. Exactly what could go wrong that hasn't.

 

I realize this is a relatively general, and non optimistic view of the future. But I don't see the alternative. While I have no doubt that Sano, Buxton and Kepler will become productive, and I still think Rosario will be back, it will be late '17 and into '18 before their primary effect is felt. And while they will make an excellent core, there are no outstanding solutions upcoming behind the plate and in the middle infield. Vielma seems to be a great glove, but this FO has always went bat first glove second, even in the middle. And given the reluctance to try and orchestrate any team altering trades, and the insistence on NL retread starters, I cannot see a suitable rotation in the future, let alone a league recognized ace.

 

I have been listening and watching and following this team since its inception. I cannot ever remember such a mess. Our main plan seems to be scour the waiver wire for, I lost track of how many, cast offs. That is not how you build a roster that will take you to the playoffs. But it is a roster that is built when you rely on over valuing your assets, and relying on offense to rescue what is a poor defense, and an awful pitching staff. It's a fools errand, and has been since Abner Doubleday decided ninety feet was a good distance to run at full speed.

 

There are few teams in baseball that can truly say their offense, defense, pitching and management are flawed. Sadly, this is one of them! .

[birddog]

Great article. I agree with every point made. Grossman has been a huge addition this year, but I'm afraid TR now looks to sign released retreads instead of bringing up our young guns from the minors. Management is totally lost right now and they're looking for band-aides for a team that needs reconstructive surgery. 

[jimmer]

 

There are few teams in baseball that can truly say their offense, defense, pitching and management are flawed. Sadly, this is one of them! .

I'm genuinely interested in knowing if there are still people around who believe this is a well constructed 40 man roster.

 

We need a new GM to lead us out of this mess.

[Bark's Lounge]

Nice write-up Platoon. I agree that the offensive core of this team can be good enough at some point in the not too distant future. Like you, I still have great hopes for Rosario, he showed us some really good stuff last year - pop, speed, excellent defense. That being said, the last I checked his stats in Rochester, he was hitting great, but had zero walks in roughly 80PA's. I don't think he has to walk 50 times a season to be successful, but he has to get somewhere in between 30-40BBs in a full season or it could get ugly… as we seen in his time up here at the beginning of the season.

 

The pitching is another animal all together. Things are really going to have to break right if we are to any good in the next handful of years. I still think Santana, Duffey, Berrios and Chargois can be a part of the solution, but other than that everything is out the window. Who knows what Stewart, Gonsalves, Jay, etc… will bring to the table in the next few years if anything? And the hard throwing reliever prospects, except for Chargois, are doing jack squat.

 

Guys like Brian Dozier need to take instruction better. Whatever he is doing is not working. It is disappointing because he does not strike me as a stubborn moron… maybe I am wrong. He needs make adjustments or he is going to be a horrible liability at the plate.

 

Or maybe he needs new instructors? No offense to Molitor. I am a St. Paul guy and it was a pleasure to watch him play and I believe he is a cerebral baseball guy. Sometimes things don't work out plain and simple. Ryan is an artifact of a baseball era that has been gone for a good amount of time. He needs to exit stage left.

 

Oh, and before I forget, Park is a flip of the coin, the Twins are going to have to take some knees to the nards for a while to see if that is going to work out. Who knows? I hope he works out.