My wish list for the last 55 games of the season

[AlwaysinModeration]

As of this morning, Saturday, August 5, the Twins are 52-55, in third place in their division, 7 games back of Cleveland, and tied for fourth behind the second Wild Card team (KC), 3.5 game back, and 4.5 games back behind the first Wild Card team (New York). Realistically, they are very unlikely to win the division, but they could certainly make a run at a Wild Card spot if they get hot. However, with a crowded field, it is also unlikely. I'd rather focus on a few things I'd like to see down the stretch, as these last two months could be important for next season. If they make a run at wild card, great, but most important is progressing on several fronts to set up a competitive team for next year.

 

Here is my list:

--See Byron Buxton's average climb to 240 as he continues to look more relaxed at the plate. I also want to see at least 3 triples from him before the end of the year.

 

--Watch Mauer's average climb to 290 before the end of the season. He is striking out much less this year. He's put several years between his big concussion. I think he has at least one more 300 season in his bat, and I am hoping it is next year. I want him to be a veteran leader with a renaissance year on a playoff team next year.

 

--Have Brian Dozier get on a homerun roll like the end of last year. Two home runs yesterday. If he can get to 30 before the end of the season, he could regain value as a potential trade candidate in his contract year.

 

--Get good starts from Mejia and Gibson. I think both will play a role with the 2018 club. Right now Mejia looks more likely to be a main rotation arm, but Gibson has shown some signs of improvement in the last month. How he does in the last 10 starts is important. And can Mejia become more efficient?

 

--Witness as few Colón starts as possible. Realistically I think he is in the rotation through the end of the year (to try to get his seven more wins), but come September, I'd like to see Gonsalves get a few starts. Romero as well, but I think he's on a pitch count, so that might not happen.

 

--Bullpen tryouts. Let's see which of Hildenberger, Busenitz, Gee...and hopefully Curtiss and 1-2 others from the minors can pitch well down the stretch.

 

--Win games. I will admit that the past few years, I have been fine with as many losses as possible down the stretch in order to get a higher draft pick. I was glad they did poorly at the end of last year so they could get the top draft pick. But this year, I want to see them playing their hearts out to win as many games as they can down the stretch. I want them to aim for finishing with at least 81 wins. 30-25 down the stretch would give them 82 wins. That would be a nice stepping stone towards next year.

 

Now, if they finish above 500, that likely means Molitor stays. I'm torn on that. I personally think the Twins would be better served with a new manager. But I'm not going to root for the team to lose so that they can fire Molitor. (It's worth noting the Cubs were ruthless in firing Renteria when Maddon became available. If Falvey thinks the team would be better with a new manager, even if they finish above 500, I hope he is just as ruthless.)

 

So, that's my list. What do others want to see for the last two months of the season?

[Oldgoat_MN]

As many others on these boards have said, I would like to see the youth.

Randy Rosario should get another look because, 1) he is on the 40-man, and 2) his numbers don't scream, "I should be on the 40-man".

Same with Felix Jorge.

Either give the AAA pitchers some chances or move the AA pitchers to AAA. Don't understand at all why we keep picking up castoffs without giving the guys we have a shot.

 

I have stopped hoping for this. Apparently they already know what all these guys can do, but if so why did they give Felix Jorge a second start if they knew he was going to fail in that second start?

[Brock Beauchamp]

My request is pretty simple. I want to see young pitchers and I want to see the Twins play 4+ games over .500 the rest of the way, closing the season with no fewer than 82 wins.

[gunnarthor]

Well, if this is a wishing thread, I wish that Yvonne Strahovski would marry me (my wife is cool with it) and I wish that the Twins would win the world series. In that order.

 

I'd also like to see Romero get called up to the pen and see Gonsalves make some ML starts in September. 

[Willihammer]

They're 3.5 back of the 2nd WC. They got 5 teams ahead of them. Would be cool to see them scratch and claw their way back into a playoff spot.

[DocBauer]

Ditto on the young pitchers, both for the pen and the rotation. And it's not even about the young starters being ready at the beginning of 2018. It's more about challenging them and getting them ready for AAA and for when that ML opportunity arrives. If they can be ready sooner, then that is awesome.

 

I also want to see Garver. All do respect to Giminez, we need to see what Garver can do going forward.

 

And let's shoot for at least .500.

[jorgenswest]

I want to see the young players.

 

I don't believe that the organization needs to see them. We certainly won't when looking at results. A month or two isn't enough sample to be meaningful, but any good starts will offer hope. It might be the false hope of Parmelee and Pinto, but hope nonetheless.

 

There is no hope in watching Gimenez or Belisle. I want to see Garver and Curtiss. I am entertained by Colon, but there is no hope there. Maybe there is hope in Enns.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Does wishing for a playoff berth (more games) violate the "can't wish for more wishes" rule?

[AlwaysinModeration]

Does wishing for a playoff berth (more games) violate the "can't wish for more wishes" rule?

I'll have to check with NY for a ruling, but I think you are ok.

 

By the way, speaking of NY...is it ok to wish for García to lose all of the games he pitches for the Yankees? (And for Gibson to win all of the games he pitches in his place?)

[AlwaysinModeration]

They're 3.5 back of the 2nd WC. They got 5 teams ahead of them. Would be cool to see them scratch and claw their way back into a playoff spot.

I think that would, in fact, be cool.

[goulik]

Garver.

[USAFChief]

Lineups that do not include Escobar or Gimenez in the 3/4 holes.

[twins_89]

It's clearly time to give the young talent some time in the majors. Since the majority of players struggle during their first major league stint it would make a lot of sense to give the youngsters playing time in order to give them the best chance to be positive contributors next year. With that in mind I would love to see:

 

- Two of Gonsalves/Romero/.Jorge/Enns in the starting rotation for Colon/Gibson

 

- Garver taking over the Gimenez role

 

- Three from the Curtis/Reed/Melotakis/Moya/Rosario/Bard group replacing Belisle/Boshers/Gee

[glunn]

I wish for better plate appearances. It seems to me that the offense should be better. Maybe I am really wishing for a new hitting coach.

[curt1965]

The 2 G's- Garver and Gonsalves. Also a "C" for Curtiss. Wins and losses are not that important at this time.

Hopefully the new management will turn over this roster and get a lot younger.

[Thegrin]

I wanna see Buxton, Rosario, Kepler & Granite share the OF/DH.  I don't care if I ever see Robbie Grossman again.  

 

I wanna see Byongho Park.  I'd like to see more of Kennys Vargas too (but I know I can't have anything).

 

I wanna see Gibson and Mejia pitch well enough to deserve their starts, the rest of the way.

 

I agree with all those that wanna see Garver.

 

I want Sano to stay healthy.

 

Is that too much to ask ?

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I wanna see Buxton, Rosario, Kepler & Granite share the OF/DH. I don't care if I ever see Robbie Grossman again.

 

I wanna see Byongho Park. I'd like to see more of Kennys Vargas too (but I know I can't have anything).

 

I wanna see Gibson and Mejia pitch well enough to deserve their starts, the rest of the way.

 

I agree with all those that wanna see Garver.

 

I want Sano to stay healthy.

 

Is that too much to ask ?

you "want" to see Park? He hasn't done anything for me to want to see that.

 

Agreed with the prevailing sentiment for wanting youth.

 

I also want to see the continuation of the FO and scouting makeover. While I really like Mr Goin and feel like he did the best he could with what he had, it's encouraging to me to see Falvey and Levine to remake the FO in the image of their design.

[mikelink45]

I want the recognition of younger players in the minors.  They deserve the opportunity to advance instead of watching a Gong Show reject list filling spots all season.  If they come up and have rough spots we can look ahead.  The players the FO has brought in have rough spots followed by a downward spiral.  

We the Twins slowly losing their way to 500 the fans need something new and shiny to come to the park and see.  Give us Garver (I too am totally obsessed with the fact that Giminez batted fourth) and lots of new pitchers. Colon going for his home country record is not sustaining my interest, Gibson bouncing up and down and staying the same is not productive and young pitchers waiting and waiting in the minors is ridiculous.  

Belisle will be gone (I hope) at the end of the year so get him out of here and bring up a young pitcher.  

Sit Taylor Rogers down for a while, he is toast right now.  

 

More than anything put some bats on the bench and NEVER EVER bat Giminez fourth again.

[drjim]

I want the recognition of younger players in the minors. They deserve the opportunity to advance instead of watching a Gong Show reject list filling spots all season. If they come up and have rough spots we can look ahead. The players the FO has brought in have rough spots followed by a downward spiral.

We the Twins slowly losing their way to 500 the fans need something new and shiny to come to the park and see. Give us Garver (I too am totally obsessed with the fact that Giminez batted fourth) and lots of new pitchers. Colon going for his home country record is not sustaining my interest, Gibson bouncing up and down and staying the same is not productive and young pitchers waiting and waiting in the minors is ridiculous.

Belisle will be gone (I hope) at the end of the year so get him out of here and bring up a young pitcher.

Sit Taylor Rogers down for a while, he is toast right now.

 

More than anything put some bats on the bench and NEVER EVER bat Giminez fourth again.

People are going to come to the park to watch Garver? (Not that I'm against calling him up)

[mikelink45]

 

People are going to come to the park to watch Garver? (Not that I'm against calling him up)

No - but people will come out of curiosity to see him, Romero, Gonsalves and anyone else that they have not seen.  Our current product is not going to draw the attendance if we are in the tank and it appears we are headed that way.  

 

The only reason we have Colon on the staff at this time is his potential to set a record that can gain the club some publicity and ticket sales.  Gibson does not offer an interesting story line or talent to intrigue the ticket buyers.  

 

It is time to make some changes and those do not have to mean we are giving up on the season.

[drjim]

No - but people will come out of curiosity to see him, Romero, Gonsalves and anyone else that they have not seen. Our current product is not going to draw the attendance if we are in the tank and it appears we are headed that way.

 

The only reason we have Colon on the staff at this time is his potential to set a record that can gain the club some publicity and ticket sales. Gibson does not offer an interesting story line or talent to intrigue the ticket buyers.

 

It is time to make some changes and those do not have to mean we are giving up on the season.

Interest in Colon from the casual fan will surpass everyone else mentioned combined.

 

I don't think that should drive decisions at all, but I also don't think any of those pitchers mentioned are especially ready, perhaps outside Romero as a reliever in very controlled situations.

 

After last nights lineup, definitely time to get Vargas and/or Garver up tho. They don't need 13 pitchers.

[AlwaysinModeration]

Well, let's see, six games into these last 55...Buxton hitting 333 over that stretch, Dozier has hit 3 home runs, Hildenberger, Gee and Busenitz have all done great, and they've won 5 of 6 (with comebacks from down 5, 4, and 3 runs) to knock 3.5 games off the division lead, and 3 games off of the wild card lead. Oh, and we are definitely seeing a lot more of Colón.

 

That includes a game in which we had Adrianza at first and Escobar/Gimenez in the 3-4 spots vs Cole Hamels.

 

Pretty good attempt to knock out the whole damn punch list in quick order. Now we need Mauer to continue to have his line drives start to fall in, and Gibson to put up a good start tonight in Detroit to build on his little mini-streak he has going. Remember that if that homer he gave up to Mazara last Saturday (on a pretty decent pitch) is a few feet shorter, his outing looks a helluva lot better.

 

I also see a lot of laughter in the dugout...at Colón's at bats, at Enns' hit, pranking the coaches. This team is coming together.

[John Kelsey]

Garver, Curtiss and/or Reed, and Gonsalves getting significant action.

[AlwaysinModeration]

Two weeks later, let' check in:

 

Buxton: 240, two triples (and an inside the park home run), check.

 

Mauer: 290 - check.

 

Mejia and Gibson - not check. Hopefully Gibson pitches well on Tuesday. A lot of people calling for his head. I'm not ready to yet. Hopefully Mejia still gets back and makes a few more starts down the stretch. I think that Mejia has had nearly as much trouble with pitch counts and putting hitters away as Gibson has.

 

Few Colón starts - not check. But that's ok, because he's pitched pretty well. He's now locked into the rotation, so let's hope he keeps doing at least pretty well. Would certainly love to see him win five more games down the stretch to get his all time country win total.

 

Bullpen tryouts: check. Hildenberger, Busenitz, and Gee have all been quite good. Belisle also looking decent as a closer option. Hopefully we will see Curtiss.

 

Wins - check. 10-4 in this stretch so far, picking up 3.5 games in the WC race to pull into a tie for #2 (while only picking up a game on Cleveland and NY).

 

And now Garver is up. Still hoping to see a Gosalves start or two this season.

 

Two weeks in, they've knocked off almost all of my wish list in fine fashion. Thanks, boys.

 

Here's to them keeping rolling!

[DJSim22]

Well, it looks like you are getting most of what you wanted in the final 55 games.  The exception being Colon.  I must admit at 42 years old, I love seeing a 44 year old battle and scrap knowing his stuff is below average.  I just enjoy watching him mix and match and keep guys off balance for a few innings, or watching him find ways to get out of innings that he has no business doing.  Or maybe it's just that I enjoy there being one last guy older than me playing. 

[beckmt]

Why do we not knock Gibson off the wish list and down to Rochester.  I have seen more than enough of him and do not need to see any more of him in the Twins uniform, ever.

[Blake]

 

Two weeks later, let' check in:

Buxton: 240, two triples (and an inside the park home run), check.

Mauer: 290 - check.

Mejia and Gibson - not check. Hopefully Gibson pitches well on Tuesday. A lot of people calling for his head. I'm not ready to yet. Hopefully Mejia still gets back and makes a few more starts down the stretch. I think that Mejia has had nearly as much trouble with pitch counts and putting hitters away as Gibson has.

Few Colón starts - not check. But that's ok, because he's pitched pretty well. He's now locked into the rotation, so let's hope he keeps doing at least pretty well. Would certainly love to see him win five more games down the stretch to get his all time country win total.

Bullpen tryouts: check. Hildenberger, Busenitz, and Gee have all been quite good. Belisle also looking decent as a closer option. Hopefully we will see Curtiss.

Wins - check. 10-4 in this stretch so far, picking up 3.5 games in the WC race to pull into a tie for #2 (while only picking up a game on Cleveland and NY).

And now Garver is up. Still hoping to see a Gosalves start or two this season.

Two weeks in, they've knocked off almost all of my wish list in fine fashion. Thanks, boys.

Here's to them keeping rolling!

You've gotten a lot of your wishes. In fact, it's almost prescient. Been to the casino recently? I think you're on a roll.

[kab21]

 

Why do we not knock Gibson off the wish list and down to Rochester.  I have seen more than enough of him and do not need to see any more of him in the Twins uniform, ever.

I would be content with him as a the long man. I think we can bury him in the bullpen for 10 days. This team seems to need a lot of bullpen innings and Gibson's stuff could play up in the pen. I have no interest in bringing him back next year at any price though. Time to move on.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

 

I would be content with him as a the long man. I think we can bury him in the bullpen for 10 days. This team seems to need a lot of bullpen innings and Gibson's stuff could play up in the pen. I have no interest in bringing him back next year at any price though. Time to move on.

I'd like Gee and Gibson to switch roles. They both have earned it.

[AlwaysinModeration]

As of this morning, Sunday, Sept 3, the Twins have played 28 of their final 55 games. Let's take a look back at the wish list and see how the Twins are doing:

 

THEN: As of this morning, Saturday, August 5, the Twins are 52-55, in third place in their division, 7 games back of Cleveland, and tied for fourth behind the second Wild Card team (KC), 3.5 game back, and 4.5 games back behind the first Wild Card team (New York). Realistically, they are very unlikely to win the division, but they could certainly make a run at a Wild Card spot if they get hot. However, with a crowded field, it is also unlikely.

 

SINCE: They have climbed to 71-64, still 8 back of Cleveland (lost a game to them!), 1 back of NY, 1.5 ahead of the Angels, 2.5 ahead of Baltimore, 4.5 ahead of KC (gained 8)

 

THEN: I'd rather focus on a few things I'd like to see down the stretch, as these last two months could be important for next season. If they make a run at wild card, great, but most important is progressing on several fronts to set up a competitive team for next year.

 

SINCE: Ok, why not do both?

 

Here is my list:

 

THEN: See Byron Buxton's average climb to 240 as he continues to look more relaxed at the plate. I also want to see at least 3 triples from him before the end of the year.

 

SINCE: Has climbed from .216 to .253, and yes, three triples.

 

THEN: Watch Mauer's average climb to 290 before the end of the season. He is striking out much less this year. He's put several years between his big concussion. I think he has at least one more 300 season in his bat, and I am hoping it is next year. I want him to be a veteran leader with a renaissance year on a playoff team next year.

 

SINCE: Average has climbed from .277 to .303, good for a tie for sixth in the AL. Maybe I was wrong on this one, though...maybe he has a .300 season left in his bat and can be a renaissance veteran guy on a playoff team this year, not next.

 

THEN: Have Brian Dozier get on a homerun roll like the end of last year. Two home runs yesterday. If he can get to 30 before the end of the season, he could regain value as a potential trade candidate in his contract year.

 

SINCE: He's hit 8 since then, going from 19 to 27 and well within range of 30.

 

THEN: Get good starts from Mejia and Gibson. I think both will play a role with the 2018 club. Right now Mejia looks more likely to be a main rotation arm, but Gibson has shown some signs of improvement in the last month. How he does in the last 10 starts is important. And can Mejia become more efficient?

 

SINCE: Gibson has pitched three straight good games, and has a 3.21 ERA in six starts since this August 5 post. Numerous posters (even on this thread above) have stuck forks in Gibson. I didn't and don't think that was warranted. As for Mejia, I am still concerned about his efficiency (which Gibson has improved upon). Hopefully we see Mejia back in the Gee spot of the rotation for a few September turns...but my expectations are in check.

 

THEN: Witness as few Colón starts as possible. Realistically I think he is in the rotation through the end of the year (to try to get his seven more wins), but come September, I'd like to see Gonsalves get a few starts. Romero as well, but I think he's on a pitch count, so that might not happen.

 

SINCE: 3.43 ERA in six starts since then. Good grief. He's obviously locked into the rotation, attacking the strike zone, letting the outfield catch it. Oh, and he's at 239 career wins, now 4 shy of Juan Marichal for the all-time Dominican pitcher wins, passing Pedro last year. I'd take five more wins from Bartolo in September! (As for Gonsalves starts...not so sure anymore, given the playoff push.)

 

THEN: Bullpen tryouts. Let's see which of Hildenberger, Busenitz, Gee...and hopefully Curtiss and 1-2 others from the minors can pitch well down the stretch.

 

SINCE:

Busenitz: 1.32 ERA in 10 August appearances

Hildenberger: 2.19 ERA in 13 August appearances

Gee: 2.13 ERA in 4 August relief appearances (12IP), 7.11 ERA in two starts

Curtiss: Up, 3 appearances, two of them shutout innings.

(Belisle: 4.50 in 9 August appearances, 5 saves in 6 opportunities, 83% vs Kintzler 87%)

 

THEN: Win games. I will admit that the past few years, I have been fine with as many losses as possible down the stretch in order to get a higher draft pick. I was glad they did poorly at the end of last year so they could get the top draft pick. But this year, I want to see them playing their hearts out to win as many games as they can down the stretch. I want them to aim for finishing with at least 81 wins. 30-25 down the stretch would give them 82 wins. That would be a nice stepping stone towards next year.

 

SINCE: 19-9, currently 7 games above .500.

 

THEN: Now, if they finish above 500, that likely means Molitor stays. I'm torn on that. I personally think the Twins would be better served with a new manager. But I'm not going to root for the team to lose so that they can fire Molitor. (It's worth noting the Cubs were ruthless in firing Renteria when Maddon became available. If Falvey thinks the team would be better with a new manager, even if they finish above 500, I hope he is just as ruthless.)

 

NOW: Still torn on this one. However, if the Twins make the play-offs, Molitor will be back next year, I am almost 100% certain of that.

 

 

They are hewing pretty close to the script, except for that Colón guy. What will the second half of those 55 games bring? (A 56th game, perhaps? And hopefully more?)