Who are our building blocks of the future?

[Twinfan & Dad]

I am hopeful that the Twins Organization and that includes OWNERSHIP has finally turned the corner and decided to join the majority of MLB Teams in the understanding of successful minor league player development and also be willing to swing for the fences when it comes to trade scenarios. No one on this team is untouchable and a new direction will require heavy turnover. The roster has young talent that may or may not be building blocks of our future. I cannot at this point name 3 players who are my building blocks. Kepler, Buxton, Sano, Polanco, Rosario, Dozier, May? We need a young baseball mind that will come in and burn this house down and start building from scratch and that will require patience from all Diehard Fans. We do have talent but sometimes you have to give up that talent in order to take risks on other options. I am hopeful and am ready to make moves that we might question but at least the organization is being aggressive. Signing mid tier pitching,hanging out at the waiver wire and not be willing to trade your best assets is not a successful strategy. With that said I have followed many other posts on this site from some very knowledgeable fans and am curious for your thoughts and who are your building blocks?

[Seth Stohs]

Sano, Buxton, Kepler and Berrios are the young core, along with Polanco are the young core. 

[Vanimal46]

My building blocks would be Sano, Buxton, and Kepler.

Sano is a power hitter teams would love to build around. Only 23 years old with 40+ HR potential. Dozier has made his living in the 2nd half destroying mistake pitches. I think Sano can get to that point, but it'll take another year or 2 to learn more plate discipline and not chase pitches out of the zone. 

 

Buxton is frustrating on the offensive side of the ball right now. Ideally he will be a table setter at the top of the batting order. Defensively we've seen that he's MLB ready and will help out the pitching staff immensely with his range out there.

Kepler ideally would be the #2 or #3 in the lineup.  He's certainly exceeded my expectations since he started getting more playing time. Maybe there will be a sophomore slump next year, but he looks promising enough to continue starting him at this point. 

 

3 building blocks at 23 years old or younger is pretty good. 

[Twinfan & Dad]

The other question Seth is anyone of your core players untouchable in a trade?

[Vanimal46]

 

The other question Seth is anyone of your core players untouchable in a trade?

I'm not Seth, but the cliche "Everything in this world is negotiable" rings true with this team. 

[Twinfan & Dad]

Sorry Vanimal Seth posted before you. I do agree with your 3 players. Youth and so much potential. Tough to trade but give me a Mike Trout and everyone is in the discussion. Maybe all 3 in that trade.

[goulik]

Are we looking only long term? If we're trying to push the time table into the next couple years, Dozier is our current cornerstone with Sano, Buxton, Kepler, Berrios vying for those remaining top three positions. No one should ever be untouchable. A GM should always be ready to fleece another team if they offer a ridiculous amount for any given player.

[twinsnorth49]

I think Sano, Buxton, Kepler and Berrios are reasonable to consider as the team's building blocks in the next few years. I'm not as convinced of Polanco, but after last night, maybe so.

 

None of them are untouchable for the right package of players, expecially if one of those players will undoubtedly be the best player of his generation. That's not a hard decision to make however.

[Halsey Hall]

As it stands now, I'd build around Sano, Kepler, Buxton and Dozier, like some have stated.  These players would be untouchable along with Berrios.  I see no sense in trading guys we've developed in the minors who have futures in the majors.

[beckmt]

Dozier will be 33 when the Twins are able to compete(2019).  Unless you extend him, I would trade him for the right offer.  Keeping him while not bad if an offer does not meet what I want is not bad, but do not consider him part of the core.

[Thrylos]

I really do not understand how anyone could compare Kemper at a corner OF potistion  to Polanco (who is also younger than Kemper) at SS and think that Kemper is a better player or deserves to be part of the Twins' future more than Kemper.

 

Look at the data.

 

As far as the original questions goes, at this point I would say:

Sano, Polanco, Buxton, Kepler, Vargas (btw, what else does this guy need to do at the MLB-level to get any respect?  And he is Duffey's and Chargois's age) with Berrios, Gonsalves, and May on the cusp and needing to prove more.   Other than first 3, I would have no untouchables (if Kemper was a centerfielder, catcher, or middle infielder, I'd add him to that list, but corner OF is easier to find.) 

 

[stringer bell]

Dozier has had a superstar season, granted he's produced those numbers largely in four months. You have to build around him, I think. The thing that troubles me most is moving goalposts. In 2012, it was 2015. Now someone just wrote 2019. What is wrong with this organization? They will have had top picks in five of the last six seasons. The results on the field should be much better and guys to their early to mid-twenties should be well on their way to established instead of having so much to prove.

 

To respond to the OP--Dozier, Sano, Kepler, Berrios, Polanco. Berrios is so important because of the implosion of the major league pitching staff. The player I listed with the fewest question marks is Kepler. I think his floor as an average corner outfielder is secure and he could become an all-around star. There are defense and position-related questions about Sano and Polanco, although I think Jorge has shown that there is little doubt that he can handle big league pitching.

 

Edit:  OMG, I forgot Buxton. I'd put him right behind Sano. He has to do a better job hitting, but his defense in center could be special and those wheels on the pads could be game-changing

[Rosterman]

No player anymore in untouchable. It depends on your definition of needing to keep a franchise player (Mauer) or letting a superstar walk at some point (like the Cards did with Pujols).

 

Which means carefully crafting a franchise. We have the situation now of Dozier. He's a fine fine player, but will be replaceable in the future when Polanco can move over to second, and who's to say that someone now in rookie ball won't be heir to Polanco when he becomes too old...whatever old it.

 

You do have to carefully deal with your own players when they now hit arbitration and you have to look at extending into at least a free agent year, which will happen soon enough with Sano. 

 

But ultimately, it helps to create a solid franchise and a winning environment. The Twins have often been touted as a positive environment, but if you were Sano (David Ortiz) will you play your entire career for $15-20 million a year in Minnesota or Boston. That's the rub. 

 

And what do you, as a franchise, lose when you extend a player for outrageous amounts. I think we all thought Mauer would at least be catching parttime into 2018. That didn't happen and now we are stuck.

 

And then you have the Oakland A's, when you trade anyone or anyone when they show some value to keep a constant rebuilt and the chance to just be competitive...which I guess is also the Twins Way...try to be competitive...not win it all.

 

Again, Dozier is the perfect example. You developed a player who may/may not be worth a franchise extension. But you can argue ridding yourself of him because of a suitable replacement. But the, again, you and also look at our current shortstop mess where we had J.J. Hardy but wouldn't pay him and didn;t have anyone in real development. Still don't until Gordon comes around. Something was wrong with scouting and player development in that case.

 

Even now...with both Sano and Plouffe on the disabled list, who do we have playing third, or who do we have that we want to play third. Sorry, NOT Escobar.

 

If the Twins would spend as much time on really developing an organization as they do watching the waiver wire, and if they would spend (blow) money on quality rather than quantity...maybe things will turn around and we will be a powerhouse team.

 

And the old 55%.....Jim and Co. - it doesn't apply. You spend what you need to spend. You get untold riches when you draw $2 million plus fans and have people watching television and listening to that lame radio station that dies out IN THE TWINS CITIES in places.

 

Wait, maybe you need that extra 45% for front office expenses to hire a real front office staff. But, hey, what are you spending the other $80 or so million on, my friends. Or what happens to all those monies when you don't spend the 55%, which seems to happen more often than not.

[Oldgoat_MN]

 

I really do not understand how anyone could compare Kemper at a corner OF potistion  to Polanco (who is also younger than Kemper) at SS and think that Kemper is a better player or deserves to be part of the Twins' future more than Kemper.

 

Look at the data.

 

As far as the original questions goes, at this point I would say:

Sano, Polanco, Buxton, Kepler, Vargas (btw, what else does this guy need to do at the MLB-level to get any respect?  And he is Duffey's and Chargois's age) with Berrios, Gonsalves, and May on the cusp and needing to prove more.   Other than first 3, I would have no untouchables (if Kemper was a centerfielder, catcher, or middle infielder, I'd add him to that list, but corner OF is easier to find.) 

 

I like Kepler, but I have to agree. It is a little early to believe that Kepler is a cornerstone.

 

Polanco has hit at every level. His future looks very promising.

 

And Vargas has a .392 OBP in 108 AB. This guy should be getting playing time to see if he can keep his production up to anywhere near what it has been.

 

Sano, Buxton, Berrios.

 

Next level, Polanco, Vargas, Shaggy and ... I would put in a couple more younger pitchers, but I cannot say I know enough about them. Gonslaves, May, Mejia?

[Kwak]

No one should be untouchable--ever! That being said, I don't think the youth on the Twins has done enough to yield a treasure chest. Twins fans (TD posters) have a habit of hero-worshipping players leading to unreasonable expectations for the purposes of making a trade. It appears that MLB doesn't make as many trades involving young ML players between teams--typically it's "veterans" for youth, and youth is often still in the minors. The Twins only have two veterans that could be traded using that criteria--Ervin Santana and Brian Dozier. If any of the young MLB-types were offered in a trade, that would send a major red flag--why is he up for a trade? It is obvious to all that the Twins are desperate for pitching--especially starting pitching. But that need is universal in baseball. The "available" young pitching is generally only available when said pitcher "is on the outs" with his present team. This pitcher is a "project" as well as a "prospect". Are the Twins skilled at reclaiming "projects"? So far, the evidence is "NO". If the Twins want quality starting pitching they must either trade quality veterans or be very patient and draft and develop them. Scooping-up another Johan Santana in Rule V drafts is like investing in lottery tickets.

[DocBauer]

To me, Buxton, Kepler, Sano, Berrios and Gonsalves, who's not even at AAA yet, are cornerstones. I'd probably even include Polanco on that list.

 

I'm higher on both Rosario and Vargas than some, but really like both players a lot. And both have the potential to be quite good and productive, though they are very different players. So they are a notch below.

 

There are a couple of guys, like Gordon for instance, who have the potential to be Cornerstone guys, but are just too far away to include them on this list.

 

Not trying to create another Dozier debate here, but he is a Cornerstone player, IMO, for now and the immediate future. With so many young players making up the core of this team now, I still feel the Twins are probably better off keeping him, possibly/probably extending at some point, and work hard on the bullpen.

 

I know the rotation is the biggest problem right now. I get that, but remain unconvinced removing Dozier from the team and adding a quality SP really moves the needle. Now, who and what and how to address the rotation is an entirely different matter.

[ScrapTheNickname]

 

Sorry Vanimal Seth posted before you. I do agree with your 3 players. Youth and so much potential. Tough to trade but give me a Mike Trout and everyone is in the discussion. Maybe all 3 in that trade.

I wouldn't trade Kepler, Buxton, and Sano for Mike Trout. No way.

[mickeymental]

 

I wouldn't trade Kepler, Buxton, and Sano for Mike Trout. No way.

indeed. the angels HAVE mike trout and aren't doing that much better than the twins.

[Kwak]

 

indeed. the angels HAVE mike trout and aren't doing that much better than the twins.

More evidence to the value of quality starting pitching.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I agree that very few guys are untradeable, but in terms of core players I'd build around:

 

Sano, Buxton, Kepler, Berrios, Chargois, and Polanco (more as a 2B than SS).  That's the top tier. All could be all star caliber at their positions as a ceiling and should end up being above average major leaguers.  Pretty much all of them have warts that need working on.  At this point, I'd want them all in uniform opening day 2017 with the one exception of Buxton who I'm not against sending to AAA (though his of play of late is making me rethink that).

 

Second tier:  May (as a starter), Vargas, Escobar, Park, Duffey, Gibson, Pressley, and Rosario. There's a lot more question marks here, but all of them have shown flashes of potential from time to time. I wouldn't give up on any of them, but I'd certainly trade if the right offer came along.  They could turn into above average players, force their way into the core, become useful role players, or altogether flame out.  Several still have the high ceiling, but the odds of getting there are not as good.

 

Useful role players:  Tonkin, O'Rourke, Kintzler.  I'd trade if the price is right. I wouldn't necessarily jettison though either.

 

Guys you're stuck with: Mauer, Hughes, Perkins.  Any of these guys could provide value, but I'd definitely start reducing their time for the other players as they are for all intents and purposes untradeable. 

 

High minors guys that can force their way into the picture in 2017: Gonsalves, Hildenberger, Garver, Murphy, Burdi, Reed, Palka, Light, Mejia, Melotakis, and Walker.

 

Guys you trade:  Dozier, Santiago (not expecting much and potentially a DFA), Santana (though I'm inclined to hold on to him unless there's a good offer).

 

I think the team is largely there. Probably foolish though to look at this year and say dump them all. By all means we should start jettisoning the vets, but at the same time, that's a lot of young players that could suddenly figure things out in shorter order. I'd like to believe that changing up coaching might help some of that a bit.

[Eduardo Nunez's Helmet]

Sano, Kepler, Polanco, and Buxton are the building blocks of the offense, IMO. They haven't all excelled at the MLB level yet, but I think they will eventually turn into habitual all-stars. Rosario and Vargas are fringe building blocks. Hopefully in a year or so we'll be talking about Nick Gordon in terms of building blocks, too.

 

The pitching side of the equation has far less certainty. Probably Berrios, probably Chargois, maybe May and Duffey. I have a feeling that both Gonsalves, Jay, and Romero will pitch themselves into this conversation soon enough, too, but it's still way too early to say for them them. We desperately need to improve our standing in the pitching department, even if it means trading a fan favorite and/or a very productive position player.

[TNTwinsFan]

Kepler, Sano, Buxton, Polanco, Vargas, Berrios, Gonsalves, Garver, a hand full of second tier pitchers in AAA and AA.

[HitInAPinch]

After watching Berrios start yesterday, no pitcher at AAA should be considered anything close to a solid bet. 

 

Neil Allen (and I"m assuming Guardado, Molitor and Rasumssen) are in the process of making some serious changes to Berrios's delivery.  I'd say that, while Berrios had the stuff to get AAA hitters out, the hitters in AAA may not be as good as we think.  I can't think of any other reason for the almost full remake of his delivery and having Berrios throwing around 90% fastballs last night.

 

Building Blocks?  IMHO, at least another year away from making that call.  It takes a lot more time if you don't have the trading chips to jump-start the process.

[DocBauer]

I agree with the previous comment that the core of this team is pretty much here already, positional lyrics speaking. Was it diehard who said thathat? Now, there is still a lot of growth potential and maturing to take place next year and ongoing, but looking at this roster, it's not hard to see some tremendous lineup potential. (And similar to what Molitor used when the Twins were playing well in July)

 

Considering the following:

 

1] Buxton/Polanco (depending a bit on who is hot and matchups)

2] Mauer (probably the best spot for him but would love Polanco here)

3] Kepler (has a legitimate chance to be the Twins best overall hitter)

4] Sano

5] Dozier (could flip flop he and Sano)

6] Vargas (power and OB behind a big 2 and further setting the table)

7] Rosario (inconsistent and a free swinger but dangerous and exciting)

8] catcher (just...the best2 guys we can find-rooting for Garver-soon)

9] Polanco/Buxton (see point #1)

 

That looks exciting!

 

Yes, there are a few questions defensively. But I feel very good about the OF, 1B, 2B and at least some improvement behind the plate. Polanco has ability at SS, doesn't stink, and has room to grow and improve. As does Sano. But for that offense, and the fact we are suddenly young and rebuilding, you have to live with some growing pains as well.

[Rosterman]

Duffey is untouchable? Oh my God! 

 

The second-coming of Scott Diamond!

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

Duffey is untouchable?

 

This has been said by no one in this thread.

[mikelink45]

Buxton and Sano are the only untouchables.  Buxton seems to be getting it now and I see him building on this season to be the star we expected.  Beyond that how do we come up with untouchables on a 100 loss team?  

 

Of course I do not want to see a lot of our young players shipped out unless we can really see the team improving quickly to a reverse record.  

 

I really think player development, getting players ready for the majors and having a coaching staff that can handle the final transition is the most important.   

[olivia11]

Cornerstones: Buxton, Sano, Kepler, Polanco (at 2b after they trade Dozier, not at SS)

 

Solid pieces: Rosario, Escobar, May (hoping for a successful transition back to starting), Vargas, Chargois, Duffey (not starting, can be dominant in bullpen)

 

Potential near-future difference makers:  Gonsalves, Gordon, Jay, Stewart

 

Potential near-future solid pieces: Mejia, Reed, Burdi, Hildenberger, Palka, Garver, Light

 

I've only included players that I believe have a future with the team that extends the next two years (i.e. no Ervin Santana, no Joe Mauer)

[bird]

Looking at this team, I just don't see that much to work with, really.

 

I guess maybe you can build around Puckett, Hrbek, and Gaetti, and who knows, maybe Bruno can cut back on his K's and be more consistent. [buxton, Sano, Vargas, Kepler]. Maybe Gagne is for real [Polanco], or someone like Lombardozzi emerges s an OK role player [Rosario]. You might want to keep a veteran presence like Smalley [Dozier]. They'll need to supplemnt this roster from outside for sure {Gladden, Baylor}

 

Pitching's a bigger crapshoot, once you get past Viola [berrios]. Who knows what you're going to get from Allen Anderson or Mark Portugal, right? [Gonsalves, Jay] . Again, they'll need to keep a veteran presence and brilliant leader like Blyleven [Ervin the Cheater], but clearly, there are holes to fill from outside the organization, both within the rotation and bullpen {Reardon, Berenguer, Atherton}. Not sure there's much more help from the system. Too bad Laudner isn't a better hitter and receiver. [?].

 

Oops. Wrong decade.

[ashbury]

Oops. Wrong decade.

Satire is cleaner when you don't have to spell everything out. OTOH I haven't had good results at this site when trying deadpan satire, so I guess your approach is necessary. Either that or just skip it, since it comes across as merely sarcasm.