Improving the Twins

[gocgo]

I know that a lot of talk has been about trading Susuki, trading Dozier, trading Plouffe, etc., but if you look at us by the numbers...not individually, as a team...it's no secret that pitching is an issue.  We all assume that there is help on the way down on the farm, but let's say that things don't pan out quite as we all hope.  Injuries and the jump up to the majors can all derail that promising prospect that is dominating in the minors and pitching costs money on the free agent market.

 

So, pitching aside, you have to put the best defense on the field that you can.  We are scoring runs.  We are giving up a lot more runs and we are leading the AL in errors by quite a ways.  Your job as the new GM is to take a look at the team and make the necessary improvements realizing that you don't have a magic wand to fix everything at once.  Let's fix what we can fix first.

 

Trade Plouffe, you say?  Not so fast.  Sano's arm issues may make it necessary to hang on to him for a year while Sano slots into the DL as his primary position.  Plouffe is better than Sano on defense...when healthy.

 

We need to get out under that horrible Mauer contract, you say?  Not so fast.  Joe's hitting has rebounded and he does play a good first base even if he isn't hitting for power.  And besides, we are scoring runs, pitching and defense is our downfall.  Joe is our best defensive first baseman hands down.

 

Trade Suzuki for some pitching, you say?  Really?  Do you think he's going to bring back a prized pitcher?  Think again.  While his defense isn't good, consider the alternatives.  Want to sign a big time free agent catcher this offseason?  Get ready to open up that checkbook and spend less on pitching.  You might be better off resigning him on the cheap and spending that money elsewhere.  

 

Trade Dozier for some pitching, you say?  Sure...if you can find a team willing to do it AND you think that Polanco can play as good at 2nd.  Keep in mind, you are giving up 25-30 home runs on offense and that isn't easy to replace.  So, IF you are going to make that trade, you better be sure that the pitching you are getting back is MLB ready AND is dominant AND you have a solid option at 2B to take over.  The more IF's, the less likely it is to work out.

 

The challenge for the Twins FO is to put a better defense on the field (which also helps the pitching numbers) while maintaining a good offense.  In order to do that, we need to improve the outfield defense in center and left, and improve the short stop position.  An upgrade in catcher is probably a luxury that we can't afford.  Buxton is the key.  He is an elite defender and improves the corner positions as well because of his speed.  An outfield of Rosario, Buxton, and Kepler will improve the outfield defense.  

 

As far as the infield, Polanco can hit, but does he improve the infield defense?  Not at SS or 3rd.  He might be a decent utility IF though.  Esco?  I see him as a fringe guy whose great in the clubhouse, but not an anchor in the infield.  Danny Santana?  Nope.  We are trying to improve the defense!

 

So, in my mind, the focus for the FO this off season boils down to CF, and SS....yeah, yeah, yeah, there's that pitching issue too, but the magic wand is still stuck on a Fedex truck somewhere in Cleveland.  If Buxton is the key in CF, who is a good defensive SS that we can acquire without breaking the bank and without sacrificing on offense?  Improve the defense while maintaining the offense.  That's my advice to the new GM.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I think Polanco (long term) will be better with the glove than Dozier, and Sano needs reps. He isn't going anywhere. Escobar is fine defensively and Mauer is above average. Not sure about the catching defensive side as I don't know if I put stock into those pitch framing numbers... etc.

 

Kepler is above average in the corer, as is Rosario. Buxton if he figures out the bat is already above average in CF... and honestly with our staff, I'm more concerned about OF defense than IF defense... with that said, trade Dozier and non-tender Plouffe. Neither are defensive game changers.  Dozier should get some pitching help, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's in the A+/AA type range.  I'm more concerned about catching as the need there is more immediate and other than Garver, there isn't much help in the minors.  Go with upside in the rotation. Gibson and Santana are what they are (Santana is above average I'd add as well). May, Mejia, Duffey, and Berrios all represent upside. 

[Guest]

Trade Plouffe, you say?  Not so fast.  Sano's arm issues may make it necessary to hang on to him for a year while Sano slots into the DL as his primary position.

 

Geez, I sure hope not!

[bluechipper]

I think Jorge Polanco is an upgrade over Plouffe at 3rd and at least comparable to Dozier at 2nd. He's been ok at SS so far as well.

 

I like Kurt Suzuki as a backup catcher, but he is awful defensively, so I don't think your argument to keep him quite works here

[Doomtints]

With Polanco's arrival, Plouffe is expendable.  However, the Twins are making the mistake of giving Polanco reps at 3rd.  He is likely a defensive upgrade over Dozier.  Give Dozier the reps at 3rd.  

 

This means that the circus we watched as the Twins tried everything they could to get Sano off of DH was for naught.  He should DH.  This means Park probably needs to find a new home.  This isn't tragic, the Twins could probably get a good prospect for Park.  

[Doomtints]

 

I think Jorge Polanco is an upgrade over Plouffe at 3rd and at least comparable to Dozier at 2nd. He's been ok at SS so far as well.

 

I like Kurt Suzuki as a backup catcher, but he is awful defensively, so I don't think your argument to keep him quite works here

 

Dozier isn't good defensively.  Total Zone, which makes some assumptions, pegged Dozier as a good defender when Florimon was standing next to him.  Since Florimon has been gone, Total Zone has not liked Dozier's defense.  UZR has *never* liked Dozier's defense.  Move Dozier to 3rd.

[Thrylos]

So a CF and a SS (never mind Buxton and Polanco) will turn this team around?   Is only what this team needs?  For real?

 

This team needs to:

 

a. aggressively sell/non-tender everyone 27 and older (as much as it can; you cannot get rid of Mauer's contract, unless you get Kemp's, and that would be a worse trade than the Nolasco)

b. package prospects in these trades to get better prospects back

c. play top prospects in 2017, targeting 2018-2019 to gel.

[gocgo]

 

I think Jorge Polanco is an upgrade over Plouffe at 3rd and at least comparable to Dozier at 2nd. He's been ok at SS so far as well.

 

I like Kurt Suzuki as a backup catcher, but he is awful defensively, so I don't think your argument to keep him quite works here

Who's his replacement?  Wieters?  Yeah, that would be nice, but he's gonna cost some big $$.

[Mike Sixel]

Well, stop putting Grossman in the OF, stop putting DanSan anywhere more than as a late inning guy (if he's on the team at all).....hope Buxton can hit by mid-year....put Sano at DH, put Polanco at 3B....wait for a SS to come up, the D could be ok to good then, which would be a massive improvement.

[gocgo]

 

So a CF and a SS (never mind Buxton and Polanco) will turn this team around?   Is only what this team needs?  For real?

 

This team needs to:

 

a. aggressively sell/non-tender everyone 27 and older (as much as it can; you cannot get rid of Mauer's contract, unless you get Kemp's, and that would be a worse trade than the Nolasco)

b. package prospects in these trades to get better prospects back

c. play top prospects in 2017, targeting 2018-2019 to gel.

Didn't say that.  I said what to fix first (realistically).  I'd love to fix pitching first, but I don't think that is realistic.  So, what can we fix first?  Moving Dozier to third is an interesting idea.  I don't know if he has the arm for it, but certainly offers the pop on offense that you want from a 3rd baseman.

[gocgo]

 

Well, stop putting Grossman in the OF, stop putting DanSan anywhere more than as a late inning guy (if he's on the team at all).....hope Buxton can hit by mid-year....put Sano at DH, put Polanco at 3B....wait for a SS to come up, the D could be ok to good then, which would be a massive improvement.

Agree on Grossman, agree on DanSan, I think Sano can rotate in at 3B some and maybe at 1B too.  I think the Dozier idea at 3B is interesting to consider anyway as Polanco is better at 2B and Dozier offers the pop on offense that you want from a 3B.

 

Wait for a SS to come up...that's the part I'm not good with.  I want to fix the SS, not hope for a fix.  Gimme someone next year!

[Mike Sixel]

 

Agree on Grossman, agree on DanSan, I think Sano can rotate in at 3B some and maybe at 1B too.  I think the Dozier idea at 3B is interesting to consider anyway as Polanco is better at 2B and Dozier offers the pop on offense that you want from a 3B.

 

Wait for a SS to come up...that's the part I'm not good with.  I want to fix the SS, not hope for a fix.  Gimme someone next year!

 

good luck with that last part, unless you are willing to punt hitting at all....

[gocgo]

 

I think Polanco (long term) will be better with the glove than Dozier, and Sano needs reps. He isn't going anywhere. Escobar is fine defensively and Mauer is above average. Not sure about the catching defensive side as I don't know if I put stock into those pitch framing numbers... etc.

 

Kepler is above average in the corer, as is Rosario. Buxton if he figures out the bat is already above average in CF... and honestly with our staff, I'm more concerned about OF defense than IF defense... with that said, trade Dozier and non-tender Plouffe. Neither are defensive game changers.  Dozier should get some pitching help, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's in the A+/AA type range.  I'm more concerned about catching as the need there is more immediate and other than Garver, there isn't much help in the minors.  Go with upside in the rotation. Gibson and Santana are what they are (Santana is above average I'd add as well). May, Mejia, Duffey, and Berrios all represent upside. 

If I'm trading 25-30 home runs (Dozier), I want MLB ready pitching.  AA type isn't going to cut it.  Gosh, I feel like Billy Beane!

[Mike Sixel]

 

If I'm trading 25-30 home runs (Dozier), I want MLB ready pitching.  AA type isn't going to cut it.  Gosh, I feel like Billy Beane!

 

You look like him too*

 

*ya, I know...

[gocgo]

 

good luck with that last part, unless you are willing to punt hitting at all....

Damn that JJ Hardy trade!

[jimmer]

Polanco at shortstop isnt any worse than what we have trotted out there since Hardy left. in fact, he looks pretty good there.

[gocgo]

 

Polanco at shortstop isnt any worse than what we have trotted out there since Hardy left. in fact, he looks pretty good there.

I'd agree with that.  I would prefer a bigger arm which would allow him to play back and give an extra bit of range, but I'm thinking that Corriea types don't grow on trees.

[TheTruth]

 

So a CF and a SS (never mind Buxton and Polanco) will turn this team around?   Is only what this team needs?  For real?

 

This team needs to:

 

a. aggressively sell/non-tender everyone 27 and older (as much as it can; you cannot get rid of Mauer's contract, unless you get Kemp's, and that would be a worse trade than the Nolasco)

b. package prospects in these trades to get better prospects back

c. play top prospects in 2017, targeting 2018-2019 to gel.

Agree

 

..and then create a plan and stick to it. Currently they are treading water, which gets you nowhere.

 

The funny thing? When a lifelong big spending big market team like the Yankees can commit to a rebuild why can't a small market team? The Yankees have made some nice trades to now have the #1 rated farm, They have traded away or cut most of their older players. They have committed to playing their young players the rest of the year to see what they have moving forward. What a concept.

 

The Twins? Who knows what their plan is. It sure appears as if Molitor prefers veteran players. Not sure if that is his choice or a directive from management. It's not a newsflash that the Twins likely won't make the playoffs or win the World Series this year ....or maybe management doesn't realize that 

 

 

[gocgo]

BTW, does baseball give a Wonderlic test or an equivalent?  I'd start doing those too.

[Vanimal46]

 

Agree

 

..and then create a plan and stick to it. Currently they are treading water, which gets you nowhere.

 

The funny thing? When a lifelong big spending big market team like the Yankees can commit to a rebuild why can't a small market team? The Yankees have made some nice trades to now have the #1 rated farm, They have traded away or cut most of their older players. They have committed to playing their young players the rest of the year to see what they have moving forward. What a concept.

 

The Twins? Who knows what their plan is. It sure appears as if Molitor prefers veteran players. Not sure if that is his choice or a directive from management. It's not a newsflash that the Twins likely won't make the playoffs or win the World Series this year ....or maybe management doesn't realize that 

You may have the best avatar picture on this website, Dude. 

[gocgo]

 

Agree

 

..and then create a plan and stick to it. Currently they are treading water, which gets you nowhere.

 

The funny thing? When a lifelong big spending big market team like the Yankees can commit to a rebuild why can't a small market team? The Yankees have made some nice trades to now have the #1 rated farm, They have traded away or cut most of their older players. They have committed to playing their young players the rest of the year to see what they have moving forward. What a concept.

 

The Twins? Who knows what their plan is. It sure appears as if Molitor prefers veteran players. Not sure if that is his choice or a directive from management. It's not a newsflash that the Twins likely won't make the playoffs or win the World Series this year ....or maybe management doesn't realize that 

One of the problems is that Molitor is only signed thru next year.  Tough to ask him to prepare for 2018 when it isn't a given that he will be there to enjoy it.  Not saying that he should be extended or fired, just saying that the manager has to be on that same pager as the GM.

[Doomtints]

 

So a CF and a SS (never mind Buxton and Polanco) will turn this team around?   Is only what this team needs?  For real?

 

This team needs to:

 

a. aggressively sell/non-tender everyone 27 and older (as much as it can; you cannot get rid of Mauer's contract, unless you get Kemp's, and that would be a worse trade than the Nolasco)

b. package prospects in these trades to get better prospects back

c. play top prospects in 2017, targeting 2018-2019 to gel.

 

Didn't Ryan try this five years ago?  Doesn't seem like it worked.

[Mr. Brooks]

Not saying that he should be extended or fired, just saying that the manager has to be on that same pager as the GM.

Or they could move into the 21st century and get cell phones!

[gocgo]

 

Or they could move into the 21st century and get cell phones!

Whoa!  Slow down there.  Let's not get all crazy with this technology thing.  Speaking of that, why are ball parks still built with a phone to the bull pen that looks like an old rotary phone?  Gotta be a better way of getting the message out there to go warm up.

[Rosterman]

The logjam is Park, Vargas, Sano with Walker and Palka in the wings. That is assuming you can keep Plouffe and his homers at third. Polanco is a good guy, but right now repalcing Dozier or Plouffe with him undermines some offense bigbat production, while keeping him at short improves production, but maybe weakens (just a little) defense...which Sano at third also will do.

 

But Plouffe costs too much and still compounds the problem over time.

 

Park, well, he can be thunder, but he is a 30-year-old rookie that MAY produce no more thunder than a Vargas, Palka or Walker, let alone IF you did have Sano at DH.

 

That HAD to be one of the worst signings of the 2016 off-season. But the team had given up on Vargas (trying to sell him to Asia) and didn't trust Arcia, and thought Sano could play right and didn't want to trade Plouffe for a bag of balls. So, DH was a weakness and...viola! No one outbid the Twins, and when they undercut his salary demands, Park still said "yes" and now the Twins have Jerseys (and even commercials) with the guy. (NOTE: Was at Target Field when they fimed a couple of Park Home-Run commercials, similar to the Sano one now running. Chances are they might not use them_.

 

But face it. In the scheme of things, as a general manager for the Twins...ask yourself:

 

(1) Who can I buy that will make this team better (and how much do I have to pay them to come and play in Minnesota -- the bigger question)?

(2) Who on my roster actually has worth to another team, albeit in trade, or even if released, they will sign elsewhere AND play in the major leagues.

(3) Who on my long list of prospects is slowly being overtaken and possibly passed, or who is down in the depth chart and is showing promise and I can actually package 3-4 of these guys and get someone top flight (albeit expensive) who would have no choice but to come to Minnesota because they got traded here.

[Craig Arko]

Um, hire the firm of pitching, pitching, and pitching, attorneys at law.

 

We all have good downward planes.

[old nurse]

In a fantasy world where trades can happen, I would move Sano and prospects to the Mets for deGrom.   Buxton for Sale.

[Guest]

In a fantasy world where trades can happen, I would move Sano and prospects to the Mets for deGrom.   Buxton for Sale.

The Mets don't need a DH(?). Maybe Sano could replace Cespedes in CF?

[Otto von Ballpark]

Whoa! Slow down there. Let's not get all crazy with this technology thing. Speaking of that, why are ball parks still built with a phone to the bull pen that looks like an old rotary phone? Gotta be a better way of getting the message out there to go warm up.

Never!

 

[DaveW]

The Twins offense and defense are "fine" for now, they need catching help and a plan B at CF but other than that I feel pretty good about them. (Plouffe should be gone fwiw)

 

The problem is the rotation just like it has been since Santana left has been an unmitigated disaster. Santana and Gibson are a couple guys we can count on for the back end of the rotation, Berrios should be good but is still young/raw, and frankly everyone else is a massive question mark without a whole lot of upside. I have some faith Hughes can get back to being good, but still is a question mark in my mind.

The Twins absolutely need to find a way to bring in at least one ace or #2 type pitcher. The problem is the FA market is pretty bare when it comes to those types of players, so the Twins need to package Rosario+prospects IMO for a young solid #2 type.