My second half storylines

[Brandon Warne]

I also wrote about this team's second half storylines like Jeremy did.

 

Here are mine: 

 

http://www.todaysknuckleball.com/al/minnesota-twins/twins-second-half-storylines-to-watch-for/

[Willihammer]

Another throwing error from Sano today, helped the Indians to a two run fourth. He's been pretty bad in the field the past 7-8 games.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Just a nit to pick, but Palka just got promoted to AAA.

 

I'd probably let Sano ride at 3rd for the time being.  Bat is there now, glove needs work.  Plouffe came up and wasn't a great 3B either at first, so at some point, Sano just needs to put the work in.  He isn't going to do that at DH.

 

Nunez and Dozier are an interesting issue.  1+ with Nunez and 2+ with Dozier.  I think you have to trade one of them.  I don't see Nunez getting as much as people seem to think given that his defense is pretty bad.  I like him in a utility role/bat off the bench type situation.  He can get a good 4-500 at bats in a season that way in situations that largely minimize his weaknesses.  If someone offered me a good deal for him, I'd probably trade him, but he strikes me more as a guy I might want to keep around for a bit longer as he won't be expensive, and he fits a role that won't necessarily take away PT from the younger guys while still providing some much needed depth.  Dozier on the other hand...  I have to think you trade him to make room for Polanco.  I expect a drop off in 2016... probably 2017 too, but I would like to believe that while Polanco might not be Dozier, he won't be one of the team's problems in 2017. 

 

Keep Santana unless you get a great offer.  Nolasco and Milone are the ones that need to go to make room Berrios (and May for that matter, he shouldn't be closing).  If you get something for them, great, if not, it's time to accept these as losses and move on. 

 

Definitely trade Suzuki.  It's a sellers market behind the dish and he might get more than what he would have gotten 2 years ago. They can definitely resign him this offseason, though I'd prefer they go big (Wilson Ramons)... of course we all know that won't happen. 

 

As for the pen, I want Melotakis and Chargois up pretty much now.  Both are on the 40 man, so as soon as guys like Abad and Kinzler are traded, they come up and take their places.  I'm a bit surprised Melotakis is still in AA.  I know he was hurt in 2015, but he's doing quite well for having a year off.  For that matter, I'd like to see Hildenberger moved up to AAA as well.  That's another relief arm that I'd like to get a bit closer to the show.