OK...you're in charge for the second half of 2016

[DocBauer]

Yes, the Twins have been a much better team as of late. They almost look like a real ML ballclub! Yes, we have some MOJO to end the first half that we will hopefully carry in to the second half. The Twins are actually playing a lot of young men on a daily basis along with these positive signs, and playing them in the right positions no less. And yes, there are still more moves to be made.

 

And this is where you come in, because, well, YOU'RE IN CHARGE for the second half of 2016. What is your plan? All I ask is to be realistic; Suzuki or Nolasco are not bringing back a top 100 prospect or a stud young catcher to play in 2017.

 

As for me and my plan? I am guided with the idea of what is best for my team now, and the immediate future, i.e. 2017 and beyond. This is not milb, and we don't have first and second half winners advancing to the playoffs. But I would like my team to be competitive and win, hopefully finishing strong, so that my youngsters can be in a positive environment and learn to win together.

 

Whether I can get something, A ball mostly likely, or not, I'm moving on from Nolasco, Milone, Plouffe, Nolasco and Ramirez. I'm listening on Santana and Abad. I'm prone to keeping Santana however, and feel Abad would be a solid re-sign for 2 years at $5M if I don't see enough of a return. (Not old and a solid track record save the one bad year)

 

I'm promoting Murphy to see what I have, and he's catching at least 4 days out of 7 and probably 5. I can't consider signing or trading for anyone, veteran, quality prospect, or also ran looking for a new start, until I know what I have in Murphy. I'm bringing up Chargois and either Wimmers or Boshers and Wheeler. May goes down to be stretched out as a SP with Wheeler auditioning for now. I'm also moving on from D Santana, though I like the kid, and promoting Polanco. If Santana happens to pass through unclaimed, I'd sign him to Rochester hopefully.

 

I have some guys, I think we know the names, who are going to play almost daily. I'm going to try to play everyone at least 4 days a week, again, I've got to see how everyone fits going forward. Seasoned and tenured veteran or not, I'm probably only playing Mauer, not counting PH duties, 4 days a week, maybe 5. I know what he can do, or can't do, and I need to play others more.

 

My OF is Rosario, Buxton, Kepler and Grossman filling in and DH-ing once in a while.

 

Vargas will DH and play 1B, with Mauer, and others filling in at DH here and there for partial days off.

 

The infield is Sano, Nunez, Escobar, Dozier and Polanco. Polanco plays a lot, across the infield, and hits near the top of the lineup. He's hit 1-3 almost his entire career, it fits him and he's used to it.

 

Murphy catches and Centeno backs up.

 

My rotation is Santana, Gibson, Duffey, Berrios and Wheeler. May is being stretched out. I may consider a variation of a 6 man rotation come August or so.

 

My pen is Kinzler, Chargois, Tonkin, Pressly, Abad (if he's kept), Rogers and Wimmers or Boshers. Both if Abad is in fact moved.

 

On the milb siide, Garver and Granite, Melotakis and Hildenberger move up to Rochester. They deserve it, and the sooner I expose them to AAA, the sooner they will be prepared for 2017, and possible promotion at some time to the parent club.

 

What do you think? What's your plan for the rest of 2016? It's a whole half season with you in charge.

[DaveW]

If I was in charge, I would have them win about 55 games in the 2nd half, then win the world series. Netting myself a cool $225,000 off of $55 worth of "Twins World series" bets.

Anything short of that I trade:
Plouffe, Nolasco, Suzuki, Grossman and Park for absolutely anything I can get.
I'd heavily shop Santana and Abad as well (and take anything decent in return)

Dozier? Shop him, but only trade if you get back something really good.

Nunez is starting to grow on me a bit, maybe keep him around and see if he can keep it up? (or be a replacement for Dozier if trade until someone else steps up)

Shop Rosario as well and try to target some good young SP or a catcher in return. (I like Eddie, however the Twins should deal from a position of strength here, Rosario has the potential to be a solid CF for a team, having him play corner OF is a bit of a waste IMO)

Call up all the youngsters, have them play/get at bats/innings as much as possible. Rotate guys in and out if need be.

Polanco, Vargas, Rosario, Murphy, Berrios, Duffey, May, Meyer, Chargois, and about 30 other RP should be getting plenty of action.
 

[bird]

I too would shop just about everyone on the team, including Rosario. But unlike DaveW, I would not take "anything I could get" just to rid myself of any of these players. For players who clearly do not have a future with us past 2016 (and the 2016 "future" itself is pretty meaningless standings-wise of course) I still am holding out for fair value in return, or better. 

 

Why? For one, the last thing this franchise needs is to clog the system with more "anything I can gets". People are saying they'd dump Nolasco for a C prospect. Do they realize a C prospect nets you someone else's Logan Darnell or Aaron Sleger? I mean, why bother? If that's all anyone will pay for Nolasco, I'm reeling him back in. If my manager wants, he can have him languish in the bullpen. Same with Plouffe, he's a bench bat if we can't deal him. The difference between getting a crummy C prospect for him now versus releasing him over the winter doesn't faze me.

 

For two, I'm thinking that we here at TD are underestimating what we might be able to get for some of these guys, Plouffe and Ervin Santana in particular, but others as well.

 

So, I'm holding out for C+ or better prospects. It's doable, even with Suzuki, and Abad. I'd entice things if need be by taking on contracts very aggressively. I'd view doing this as a way of simply paying already spent money for upgrades in minor league talent. I'll constantly remind myself that the newly acquitred assets will become part of a more fluid population of prospects, because they may become useful trade pieces for me later. C prospects are not useful as much more than fungible commodities used to "fill" a trade.

 

There's a vast difference between "anything I can get" C prospects (Wimmers) and a C+/B- guy (Chargois). Caveat: the Twins might view someone Sickles rates as a C prospect a good bit higher, and my definition is about what the Twins think, not what Sickles thinks. For example, Sickles viewed Yorman Landa as a C prospect, and I'm guessing the Twins would have labelled him as more of a B- guy at the time.

 

I'm just not terribly concerned about getting AAA guys time in Target Field this season, with the exception of Berrios, Chargois, and Polanco. Jason Wheeler isn't being stifled in AAA.

 

Anyway, as GM, I'm really hoping to get overwhelmed by offers for Ervin Santana, Dozier, Grossman, Rosario, Gibson, Abad, and any other player who could possibly factor into the 2017 plans. Those are strictly sell high efforts. I'm looking for modest overpays for Kintzler, Nunez, Nolasco, and others who can more readily be replaced but still have value and a role to play. I'm looking for fair trades for the guys who are blocking better players. You know, guys like Plouffe, Milone, and Mauer. 

[Brandon]

I'm giving Millone a few starts t see f he can build any kind of value if not dump him Auguat 1rst and bring up Berrios or Wheeler I'm ok with keeping Santana and Nolasco till the offseason.  I would trade Nolasco first fir anything to get the contract off the books.  We should have plenty of starting pitcher options ready throughout next year.  I would like to see May in the rotation.

 

I'm open to trading Plouffe now as i think Sano / Kepler makes a better 3b/RF combo then Plouffe/ Sano. 

 

I'm keeping Suzuki cause i dont see better options ready to take over.  I'm not sold on Murphy and would rather he earn a shot first.

 

If Vargas keeps hitting and taking good at bats I would want to sit Mauer some so Vargas gets more opportunities. 

 

I'm open to trading Nolasco, Plouffe, and some relievers Kintler and Abad but I am open to keeping the relievers too. 

 

I want to see Polanco come up but not sure how to get him here.  especially if vargas hits.  Though he could rotate at 2b and 3rd and DH if he came up.  and play close to half ttime. 

 

 

 

 

[Platoon]

Nolasco and Milone should go. Oddly, I would keep May where he is for this reason. They've committed to him in the pen this year, and W/L wise it makes no difference. If they are serious about him as a BP guy, they need to see if he holds us physically. Only then can you make a decision based on need, not health. Somehow Polanco plays, even if it is SS, which I don't think he is suited for. They need to know what they have in him. I would trade Dozier, but they won't. I would trade Grossman because I don't think he is a 4th OF type. He really can't play center or right with that arm, and regression will come calling. Suzuki only stays as a backup, and I mean backup. Not just waiting until someone has two bad games and then he returns like one of those Walking Dead zombies that keep reappearing. Someone who gives you insurance while you see what a Ryan, Turner, or Garver can do. If you are going to play Zuke, then trade him. The BP gets an influx of our best prospects to get their feet wet. Two last general guiding principles in the second half. Every trade is for either SP, catching, or a SS. And secondly W/L record is not a consideration, nor is attendance. I realize it's not my money, but if you want to have a decent improvement next year it starts now! Not in spring with something like a new RF, and a lottery ticket DH!

[Brock Beauchamp]

- Trade Suzuki, Abad, Nunez, Milone, Nolasco if possible

 

- Call up Polanco to replace Nunez

 

- Call up Murphy to replace Suzuki

 

- Dangle Santana, Dozier for right offer

 

- If Santana is not traded, release Nolasco

 

- Call up Berrios

 

- Stretch out Trevor May

 

- If Milone is still around, release him

 

- Call up Chargois to replace May

 

- Promote Pat Dean and put him in the rotation and closer role

 

- Win World Series

[diehardtwinsfan]

• Trade Nolasco, Milone, Plouffe for whatever I could get.  DFA if no takers (non-tender Plouffe in offseason if no takers).

Trade Suzuki for something reasonable, call up Murphy

Trade Dozier for good return.  Will hold out for a good return though, and will try again in offseason.  Targeting a pitcher with upside or catcher with upside.  Call up Polanco.

Attempt to trade Abad, Boshers, and Kinzler.  Not expecting to trade all of them, but replacements would be Chargois, Melotakis, and one of Dean/Reed/Hildenberger.

Dangle Santana, but leaning towards keep (unless a really good offer comes through that involves a high ceiling AAA pitcher.  would have no issues packaging a lesser prospect in that scenario). Pat Dean may find himself the replacement here at least temporarily or said high ceiling AAA pitcher.

Move May to the rotation in Nolasco's spot.  Call up another reliever or possibly Dean for May's spot.

Call up Berrios in Milone's spot.

I haven't paid close attention to Buxton's recent performance, but he's a candidate for option.  Would likely call up Rosario to play CF for the time being (not permanently, just getting him in the lineup).

Leaning towards keeping Nunez as a super utility with decent bat and Grossman as a 4th OF who may have figured things out.  Nice insurance in both cases. 

[Eris]

The players to be traded are all mentioned above.  One item that I would focus on is trying to alleviate the coming 40 man roster crunch by focusing on A level prospects who don't need to be added to the 40 man for 2 or 3 years.  From this point of view, these would be higher risk trades.  If we are being honest about the situation most of the players will not bring any of a potential buyers top 20 prospects.  E. Santana and Dozier might / should get a top 10 prospect.

[dbminn]

IMO, there are only three prospects that need MLB playing time this year: Chargois, Berrios and Polanco. Others can get some time as September call-ups.

 

• Trade Millone and/or Nolasco, even for a PTBNL. Berrios takes the spot in the rotation.
• Hopefully, Plouffe heals before the end of August. Trade him for a young, low-level prospect.
• Trade Abad for a decent return. Promote Rogers to back-end LHRP. Recall Chargois.
• Offer Nunez and Dozier for trade. Need to get a very good offer for either of these players - they are under control and are proven professionals. Recall Polanco if a trade is made.
• Listen to offers for Suzuki. It's okay if he stays if the offers are weak. Let Murphy compete in 2017.
• Put Santana up for trade but only for an excellent offer. I'd rather see the prospects compete in as many close games as possible this year. That means having a decent rotation.
• Keep May in the bullpen for the rest of 2016.

I would focus on the Mets as a trade partner for Santana and/or Nunez. Syndergaard and Matz have bone spurs. Harvey is gone for the season. Santana could help them. Wright is gone for the season and the team doesn't hit for average. They could use a sparkplug like Nunez. I'd try to put together a package and get D'Arnaud.

 

 

[Han Joelo]

First off, if I were GM, I'd be playing Arcia at DH for an extended period to give him a real legitimate chance.  I mean, what, do you expect a guy like Vargas to come up from AAA and just immediately "get it?" Arcia just needs a cha…what's that?  Oh.  My bad.  Like I said, Vargas for the second half.  He really needs a chance to show what he can do.

 

Is there a "challenge" trade out there for Polanco?  Everyone says we need to see what we've got; I think we know what we've got.  I like Dozier, but I think there is a chance he could be the most valuable trade chip the Twins have--depending on other team's needs. 

 

As much as some want to blame management for the terrible first half, I want to place equal blame on the players--probably not fair, but that is my feeling.  As the team leader, Dozier's terrible start was a huge factor, IMO.  Going forward, I'd "sell high" on him and clear the space for Polanco, while retaining Nunez--who I now see as the true team leader, especially maybe for a team that will have a number of Latin players in key roles moving forward.

 

As far as other trades, a system weakness I'd target if trading would be lower level pitching prospects with some upside.  If the Twins could somehow trade Abad or Kinzler (or both together in a package) to themselves last year via time travel for a Hu type prospect or tu, that is the type of deal I'd be good with.

 

I agree that E. Santana could be a lot more valuable than some are supposing.  I have this memory of him pitching well as a youngster with the Angels in the midst of the playoff cauldron.  We'll see.  After Gonsalves' game last night, I am really wondering just how far off all that AA pitching talent really is.

 

[HitInAPinch]

 

- Win World Series

SOLD !!

[Halsey Hall]

I'll agree with much of the above, but think Hildenberger will be called up sooner than most anyone.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

 

• Trade Nolasco, Milone, Plouffe for whatever I could get.  DFA if no takers (non-tender Plouffe in offseason if no takers).
• Trade Suzuki for something reasonable, call up Murphy
• Trade Dozier for good return.  Will hold out for a good return though, and will try again in offseason.  Targeting a pitcher with upside or catcher with upside.  Call up Polanco.
• Attempt to trade Abad, Boshers, and Kinzler.  Not expecting to trade all of them, but replacements would be Chargois, Melotakis, and one of Dean/Reed/Hildenberger.
• Dangle Santana, but leaning towards keep (unless a really good offer comes through that involves a high ceiling AAA pitcher.  would have no issues packaging a lesser prospect in that scenario). Pat Dean may find himself the replacement here at least temporarily or said high ceiling AAA pitcher.
• Move May to the rotation in Nolasco's spot.  Call up another reliever or possibly Dean for May's spot.
• Call up Berrios in Milone's spot.
• I haven't paid close attention to Buxton's recent performance, but he's a candidate for option.  Would likely call up Rosario to play CF for the time being (not permanently, just getting him in the lineup).
• Leaning towards keeping Nunez as a super utility with decent bat and Grossman as a 4th OF who may have figured things out.  Nice insurance in both cases. 

Pretty much the same thing I want to see, though I somehow forgot Plouffe in my list.

 

The only place we differ is trading Nunez, though I'm not entirely sold in either direction. It all depends on the return.

 

Oh, and I'd let it roll with Buxton. In a lost season, let him play. I don't see much to gain by letting him to go Rochester so he can play tee ball again. It's unfortunate he got hurt, as it looked like he was getting into a bit of a groove.

[Mike Sixel]

I think most of us are on the same page.....there are a lot of things I'd do, but here are the keys for me:

 

1. Get Berrios up now. I want to see him every 5 days the rest of the way, so he's totally the guy next year. Cut Milone or Nolasco (trade thru eating most salary, don't care about the return, this is about Berrios).

 

2. Get Murphy up now. Either trade Suzuki or demote/cut Centeno. Need to know what I have in Murphy going into the off season.

 

3. Fish or cut bait on Polanco. All his options are burned, I want to know if he can hit or not.

 

4. Send May to AAA to stretch out to become a starter. Have him up here ASAP, again, I want data on him to help plan for the future.

 

Other than that, ya, I'd be trying to trade Suzuki and Abad and Plouffe. I'd not actively shop Dozier, but I'd be willing to deal him for the right price. I have no idea what I'd do with Santana. Part of me keeps him, part of me deals him actively. 

 

As for the on field stuff, I'd let Molitor know that I expect to see improvement in his tactics, or he's gone. If he does't know what I mean, I'd have him sit down with Goin for a few hours......but I never want to see bunts in early innings, and I don't want to be stealing in front of my best hitters, and I expect my crappy hitters to be PH for sometimes late in games. 

[DaveW]

 

I too would shop just about everyone on the team, including Rosario. But unlike DaveW, I would not take "anything I could get" just to rid myself of any of these players. For players who clearly do not have a future with us past 2016 (and the 2016 "future" itself is pretty meaningless standings-wise of course) I still am holding out for fair value in return, or better. 

 

I think you misunderstood what I meant.

Guys like Nolasco, Plouffe, Suzuki, Grossman and Park are the only ones who I would "trade for anything I could get" IMO none of those guys are a factor for this team after 2016, Plouffe will be gone one way or another with Sano taking over 3B, Nolasco is just terrible, Suzuki is a FA after this year, Grossman is a decent 4th OF, but no real need for him moving forward. Park is a DH on a team with plenty of DH options, I would prefer keeping that spot open for Vargas or whoever. (Though I could understand if some don't want to trade Park for "anything" at this point)

Good Santana, Dozier, Nunez, Abad, etc would need to net something better than that of course.

[clone52]

 

If I was in charge, I would have them win about 55 games in the 2nd half, then win the world series. Netting myself a cool $225,000 off of $55 worth of "Twins World series" bets.

Anything short of that I trade:
Plouffe, Nolasco, Suzuki, Grossman and Park for absolutely anything I can get.
I'd heavily shop Santana and Abad as well (and take anything decent in return)

Dozier? Shop him, but only trade if you get back something really good.

Nunez is starting to grow on me a bit, maybe keep him around and see if he can keep it up? (or be a replacement for Dozier if trade until someone else steps up)

Shop Rosario as well and try to target some good young SP or a catcher in return. (I like Eddie, however the Twins should deal from a position of strength here, Rosario has the potential to be a solid CF for a team, having him play corner OF is a bit of a waste IMO)

Call up all the youngsters, have them play/get at bats/innings as much as possible. Rotate guys in and out if need be.

Polanco, Vargas, Rosario, Murphy, Berrios, Duffey, May, Meyer, Chargois, and about 30 other RP should be getting plenty of action.
 

 

I'm sorry, but DO NOT trade Park yet.  You aren't going to get crap for him.  Leave him in AAA the rest of yeah.  If he can't figure out major league pitching, you can trade him for the same crap next year that you can trade him for this year.

 

Why trade Grossman?  He's cheap and controllable and far, far better than what we usually have as a 4th outfielder.  I'd much rather keep him around than see Matroianni back up in the majors.  Plus, he's not a high end prospect so if he only plays 2 games a week, who care.

 

I would trade Nolasco and Plouffe for almost anything.   However, if Mauer wants to leave and can be traded, I'd be okay keeping Plouffe. 

 

I'd trade Suzuki for a something, but are you willing to go into next season with Murphy and Centeno as your 2 catchers?  Honestly, it might make sense to pay him $6 million next year.  He shown this year that he produces better with more rest.  If they trade him, make Murphy the starter and see what he can do.  If they keep him, send Centeno down, call up Murphy and give him 2--3 starts per week to see what he can do.  If Murphy does well, let Kurt go and live with Murphy.  If Murphy stinks, maybe hang on to Kurt.

 

I would be complete open to trading Santana.  Not for garbage, but for something decent.

 

I would be perfectly happy trading Abad, Kintzler and Ramirez.   I'd be perfectly okay keeping them all as well.  Relatively inexpensive and not doing horribly.

 

Dozier is a tough one.  I think Polanco is a 2B and needs to play every day.  However, I'm way down on whether he will actually be a good long term replacement.  Dozier is fairly cheap, signed through 2018 and a good player (maybe about to make the leap to elite if he has figured out how to go the other way for real).  If they trade him and Polanco craps out, what do the Twins do?

 

Nunez, Escobar, D. Santana - I'd be okay with any of these guys being traded.  I'd make sure only 1 or 2 would be traded.  Personally, I would trade Nunez because he would probably net the biggest return and Escobar has 1 more year of control.

 

Milone would be available for a low minor prospect.  If you can dump Nolasco and get a good trade for Santana, keep Milone because I think its hard to fill all 3 of those rotation spots this year.  I feel its too late to switch May to SP this year.  Maybe let him stretch out in the minors this year if you want to try him out next year.

 

Bring Berrios up and let him finish the season in the rotation.  Bring Chargois up for the rest of the season.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

Pretty much the same thing I want to see, though I somehow forgot Plouffe in my list.

 

The only place we differ is trading Nunez, though I'm not entirely sold in either direction. It all depends on the return.

 

Oh, and I'd let it roll with Buxton. In a lost season, let him play. I don't see much to gain by letting him to go Rochester so he can play tee ball again. It's unfortunate he got hurt, as it looked like he was getting into a bit of a groove.

Any idea where the Twins are going to post the GM opening?  I think the two of us could do it...

[Mr. Brooks]

I'm sorry, but DO NOT trade Park yet. You aren't going to get crap for him. Leave him in AAA the rest of yeah. If he can't figure out major league pitching, you can trade him for the same crap next year that you can trade him for this year.

 

Why trade Grossman? He's cheap and controllable and far, far better than what we usually have as a 4th outfielder. I'd much rather keep him around than see Matroianni back up in the majors. Plus, he's not a high end prospect so if he only plays 2 games a week, who care.

 

I would trade Nolasco and Plouffe for almost anything. However, if Mauer wants to leave and can be traded, I'd be okay keeping Plouffe.

 

I'd trade Suzuki for a something, but are you willing to go into next season with Murphy and Centeno as your 2 catchers? Honestly, it might make sense to pay him $6 million next year. He shown this year that he produces better with more rest. If they trade him, make Murphy the starter and see what he can do. If they keep him, send Centeno down, call up Murphy and give him 2--3 starts per week to see what he can do. If Murphy does well, let Kurt go and live with Murphy. If Murphy stinks, maybe hang on to Kurt.

 

I would be complete open to trading Santana. Not for garbage, but for something decent.

 

I would be perfectly happy trading Abad, Kintzler and Ramirez. I'd be perfectly okay keeping them all as well. Relatively inexpensive and not doing horribly.

 

Dozier is a tough one. I think Polanco is a 2B and needs to play every day. However, I'm way down on whether he will actually be a good long term replacement. Dozier is fairly cheap, signed through 2018 and a good player (maybe about to make the leap to elite if he has figured out how to go the other way for real). If they trade him and Polanco craps out, what do the Twins do?

 

Nunez, Escobar, D. Santana - I'd be okay with any of these guys being traded. I'd make sure only 1 or 2 would be traded. Personally, I would trade Nunez because he would probably net the biggest return and Escobar has 1 more year of control.

 

Milone would be available for a low minor prospect. If you can dump Nolasco and get a good trade for Santana, keep Milone because I think its hard to fill all 3 of those rotation spots this year. I feel its too late to switch May to SP this year. Maybe let him stretch out in the minors this year if you want to try him out next year.

 

Bring Berrios up and let him finish the season in the rotation. Bring Chargois up for the rest of the season.

As mentioned before, you can always trade Suzuki and bring him back next year. It doesn't have to be either/or.

[clone52]

 

As mentioned before, you can always trade Suzuki and bring him back next year. It doesn't have to be either/or.

 

Probably easier to sign him if he's still on the team.  They could sign him in September to a contract extension (basically make his option next year guaranteed).  If traded, they'd have to sign him after the year and maybe he wouldn't want to come back.

 

That said, if you get a good offer for him, trade him.  If you get terrible offers for him, don't trade him.  He's not holding up a sure thing prospect that needs to be playing every day.

[TheLeviathan]

Play the kids.  'Nuff said.

[TwinsTerritory]

Since everyone would like to trade everyone except Sano, Kepler, Buxton, and Berrios , I'll get more specific on who I'd like to get in return.  I know the odds of getting one right is about a million to one, but it's fun to read up on other team's prospects!  I think the Twins hold on to Nunez with no obvious replacement ready in the minors.

 

*Kurt Suzuki to the Rangers for infielder Josh Morgan. 

The 2014 3rd round pick is 20 years old and the Ranger's #9 ranked prospect.  Morgan can play 2B/3B and maybe even SS.  Could be a potential 3B when Sano makes the move to 1B full time in a couple years.  Rangers have also made some attempts at turning him into a catcher which is intriguing for the Twins.

 

*Ervin Santana to the Marlins for LHP Jarlin Garcia

The Twins (smartly) decide to eat a small amount of the money due Santana and get the Marlins #3 prospect in Garcia.  Garcia is not a top 100 prospect, but he is a lefty that could crack the rotation as soon as next year.

 

*Fernando Abad to the Indians for SS Willi Castro

Castro is only 19 years old and a project, but has good speed and defensive skills.  With Lindor and other SS prospects, the Indians are willing to part with their #20 prospect.

 

*Trevor Plouffe to the Mets (in August after he clears waivers) for LHP Josh Smoker

Smoker is a true roll of the dice as he is 27 years old and played in the independent league in 2014.  The down side is he would take up a spot on the 40-man, but the reason he's worth a gamble is that he's left handed and can touch 98 mph.  The Twins aren't getting much for Plouffe, but Smoker could come up in September and the Twins could see what he's got.

 

Sadly, there are no takers for Ricky Nolasco so he stays with the Twins until they decide to DFA him next June

[ashbury]

 I'll get more specific on who I'd like to get in return.

I like this angle on the question. I can't say I'm overly enthused about any of the prospects you named, and I hope you are erring on the side of caution in what another team would like to make available, but I'd still want to aim higher than serviceable lefty starters and light hitting middle infielders and 27-year old career minor league relievers and so on. I'd try to add more cash or secondary prospects of my own. It's hard to pry away legitimate high-ceiling prospects via sheer quantity, though.

 

As for the question that launched this thread, I'll go light on the specifics but say that my aim as GM would be to improve the roster flexibility going forward. Not being able to find, for example, a spot on the active roster for Polanco, now that his bat appears ready at (recently turned) age 23, is a symptom of congestion on the 40-man; I would trade either Dozier or Polanco, probably whichever would bring me less (relying on my internal evaluations of course), on the likely notion that other GMs aren't dummies either and they value the same things for roster construction that I do. The Plouffe situation is not urgent because it can be resolved to my satisfaction with a non-tender, so trading him for trash simply isn't enough to offset whatever I get from his performance the rest of this season. And so forth...

 

I don't think Pohald would hire me, though - I view the baseball operations side of the business as a cost center, and I think Pohlad expects his operations guy to focus more on the P&L side. I want a budget under which I choose how to invest for the future, and unspent money in a given season strikes me as a waste. I'm more of an invest for the future guy, and I understand that most businesses in the US focus on a profitable bottom line each and every quarter. So, I would be butting heads with the higher-ups on the most basic principles of running the baseball operations, such as using my cash reserves to trade off the Nolascos to free up roster space. Because, while baseball is obviously a business, it's unlike most businesses you can name in certain important ways. Oh well, next lifetime.

[alarp33]

 

I can't say I'm overly enthused about any of the prospects you named,

 

To be fair, are you overly enthused about any of the players being traded for those prospects? 

[tobi0040]

Trade for best available offer, and now and not 8/1 – Abad, Plouffe, Nunez, Suzuki, and Kintzler. I would also look to package several of these guys in the same trade. It is likely our only shot at getting something of value back.

 

I am dangling Dozier and Ervin, with a pretty heavy bias towards keeping Ervin. I am also fielding offers on Polanco.

 

I am moving Nolasco to the pen, why not give it a go? I was advocating for this in April.

 

Berrios, Chagios, Murphy, Polanco, Melotakis, congrats you are moving up.

 

May is going to AAA or the long relief role to stretch out and start. We are really getting to the point of this almost being too late this year. It would still be worth it to get his innings number up and avoid the inevitable shut down next year (I still don’t see us ever starting him though).

 

Buxton, Kepler, and Sano are playing every day unless they have a broken limb. Rosario gets the bulk of the reps in the OF, Grossman gets the rest.

 

I think Mike had a very good point. A conversation needs to happen with Molitor. He needs to play these guys and give them a leash or he is immediately fired. I too can’t express how important this is. Even if he says he understands, I would DFA Danny Santana just because I don't trust him.

[TwinsTerritory]

 

I like this angle on the question. I can't say I'm overly enthused about any of the prospects you named, and I hope you are erring on the side of caution in what another team would like to make available, but I'd still want to aim higher than serviceable lefty starters and light hitting middle infielders and 27-year old career minor league relievers and so on. I'd try to add more cash or secondary prospects of my own. It's hard to pry away legitimate high-ceiling prospects via sheer quantity, though.

 

As for the question that launched this thread, I'll go light on the specifics but say that my aim as GM would be to improve the roster flexibility going forward. Not being able to find, for example, a spot on the active roster for Polanco, now that his bat appears ready at (recently turned) age 23, is a symptom of congestion on the 40-man; I would trade either Dozier or Polanco, probably whichever would bring me less (relying on my internal evaluations of course), on the likely notion that other GMs aren't dummies either and they value the same things for roster construction that I do. The Plouffe situation is not urgent because it can be resolved to my satisfaction with a non-tender, so trading him for trash simply isn't enough to offset whatever I get from his performance the rest of this season. And so forth...

 

I don't think Pohald would hire me, though - I view the baseball operations side of the business as a cost center, and I think Pohlad expects his operations guy to focus more on the P&L side. I want a budget under which I choose how to invest for the future, and unspent money in a given season strikes me as a waste. I'm more of an invest for the future guy, and I understand that most businesses in the US focus on a profitable bottom line each and every quarter. So, I would be butting heads with the higher-ups on the most basic principles of running the baseball operations, such as using my cash reserves to trade off the Nolascos to free up roster space. Because, while baseball is obviously a business, it's unlike most businesses you can name in certain important ways. Oh well, next lifetime.

 

I was erring on the side of caution simply because it drives me nuts when people want to trade Abad or Nolasco for a top 100 prospect!  I understand what you're saying, but I just don't see us getting much for anyone that we want to trade other than Dozier.  I see 5 levels of trade chips, unfortunately very few are going to bring much back in return.

 

#1--long term, high value to other teams under a reasonable contract (Dozier)

#2--short term value to other teams but long term contract with considerable money owed (Santana)

#3--questionable value in short or long term, but cheap (Nunez, Grossman, Escobar)

#4--short term rental with little value (Suzuki, Plouffe, Abad, Kintzler)

#5--no value (Nolasco, Milone)

[ashbury]

To be fair, are you overly enthused about any of the players being traded for those prospects? 

Good point. But swapping little for less comes uncomfortably close to what Bill Veeck used to call his Cat And Dog trades with Frank Lane.

 

In the linked page, I love this quote. "Generally, I have always found that if I want to deal I have to go out and propose one myself. Except for Frank Lane, nobody ever offers me anything"

[dxpavelka]

 

Yes, the Twins have been a much better team as of late. They almost look like a real ML ballclub! Yes, we have some MOJO to end the first half that we will hopefully carry in to the second half. The Twins are actually playing a lot of young men on a daily basis along with these positive signs, and playing them in the right positions no less. And yes, there are still more moves to be made.

And this is where you come in, because, well, YOU'RE IN CHARGE for the second half of 2016. What is your plan? All I ask is to be realistic; Suzuki or Nolasco are not bringing back a top 100 prospect or a stud young catcher to play in 2017.

As for me and my plan? I am guided with the idea of what is best for my team now, and the immediate future, i.e. 2017 and beyond. This is not milb, and we don't have first and second half winners advancing to the playoffs. But I would like my team to be competitive and win, hopefully finishing strong, so that my youngsters can be in a positive environment and learn to win together.

Whether I can get something, A ball mostly likely, or not, I'm moving on from Nolasco, Milone, Plouffe, Nolasco and Ramirez. I'm listening on Santana and Abad. I'm prone to keeping Santana however, and feel Abad would be a solid re-sign for 2 years at $5M if I don't see enough of a return. (Not old and a solid track record save the one bad year)

I'm promoting Murphy to see what I have, and he's catching at least 4 days out of 7 and probably 5. I can't consider signing or trading for anyone, veteran, quality prospect, or also ran looking for a new start, until I know what I have in Murphy. I'm bringing up Chargois and either Wimmers or Boshers and Wheeler. May goes down to be stretched out as a SP with Wheeler auditioning for now. I'm also moving on from D Santana, though I like the kid, and promoting Polanco. If Santana happens to pass through unclaimed, I'd sign him to Rochester hopefully.

I have some guys, I think we know the names, who are going to play almost daily. I'm going to try to play everyone at least 4 days a week, again, I've got to see how everyone fits going forward. Seasoned and tenured veteran or not, I'm probably only playing Mauer, not counting PH duties, 4 days a week, maybe 5. I know what he can do, or can't do, and I need to play others more.

My OF is Rosario, Buxton, Kepler and Grossman filling in and DH-ing once in a while.

Vargas will DH and play 1B, with Mauer, and others filling in at DH here and there for partial days off.

The infield is Sano, Nunez, Escobar, Dozier and Polanco. Polanco plays a lot, across the infield, and hits near the top of the lineup. He's hit 1-3 almost his entire career, it fits him and he's used to it.

Murphy catches and Centeno backs up.

My rotation is Santana, Gibson, Duffey, Berrios and Wheeler. May is being stretched out. I may consider a variation of a 6 man rotation come August or so.

My pen is Kinzler, Chargois, Tonkin, Pressly, Abad (if he's kept), Rogers and Wimmers or Boshers. Both if Abad is in fact moved.

On the milb siide, Garver and Granite, Melotakis and Hildenberger move up to Rochester. They deserve it, and the sooner I expose them to AAA, the sooner they will be prepared for 2017, and possible promotion at some time to the parent club.

What do you think? What's your plan for the rest of 2016? It's a whole half season with you in charge

I'm over 50 and wasn't sure I'd live to see the day when someone mentioned Wimmers in a big league context.

[bird]

 

I think you misunderstood what I meant.

Guys like Nolasco, Plouffe, Suzuki, Grossman and Park are the only ones who I would "trade for anything I could get" IMO none of those guys are a factor for this team after 2016, Plouffe will be gone one way or another with Sano taking over 3B, Nolasco is just terrible, Suzuki is a FA after this year, Grossman is a decent 4th OF, but no real need for him moving forward. Park is a DH on a team with plenty of DH options, I would prefer keeping that spot open for Vargas or whoever. (Though I could understand if some don't want to trade Park for "anything" at this point)

Good Santana, Dozier, Nunez, Abad, etc would need to net something better than that of course.

 

 

I clearly did NOT misunderstand you, and I would not, under any circumstances, trade any of the players you're mentioning, Plouffe, Park, Grossman, Suzuki, and Nolasco, unless the return I got was, at the very least, prospects rated by the Twins as C+ or better. I'd do whatever it takes to sweeten the pot, and that includes being on the hook for an entire contract if that's what it took to convince the other guy to give up a real live prospect instead of an "anything I could get" prospect. I don't know enough to have a strong opinion about what level of prospect each of these guys might attract in a straight-up trade, but I highly suspect you have a low hypothetical value on maybe all of them except for perhaps Grossman.

 

For fun, go out to Sickle's site and tell me which Twins prospect among his Top 35-40, if any, you'd say most closely matches your own perception of the trade value for each of the five. Then, focising on only the C+ or better prospects, let's talk about how much of say, Plouffe's salary they'd have to assume to entice the other team into a trade.

 

Example: We have Zack Jones at AA. I think he's a C+ prospect in Sickle's mind. If you needed a 3B, would you give him up for Plouffe? I'm not sure, but I think a lot of people would feel that the team acquiring Plouffsie would be doing well with this trade.

 

So, maybe, by your definition, Zack Jones represents "anything I can get" and we're basically in agreement?

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'm not sure Plouffe or Nolasco would fetch a C+ (on Sickle's scale at this point)...  I'd trade them anyways. I'd probably DFA Nolasco at some point.  I agree on Park.  I'd want value.  Lesser so on Suzuki as he's quite possibly gone at the end of the season.  May as well get something if someone offered it for him, but don't be surprised if it isn't a C+ guy.  You can always sign him back if the interest is mutual. 

[jorgenswest]

 

I'm not sure Plouffe or Nolasco would fetch a C+ (on Sickle's scale at this point)...  I'd trade them anyways. I'd probably DFA Nolasco at some point.  I agree on Park.  I'd want value.  Lesser so on Suzuki as he's quite possibly gone at the end of the season.  May as well get something if someone offered it for him, but don't be surprised if it isn't a C+ guy.  You can always sign him back if the interest is mutual. 

I agree on Nolasco and C+. I don't even think Nolasco would return a prospect. He might return a minor league player. If someone offers to take his contract in an August waiver deal, the Twins need to jump at the opportunity. They should have done that when they had an opportunity with Willingham and passed.