Going forward, what moves do you think will happen?

[gunnarthor]

Twins are on pace for a 68-94 season and a top 7 pick. They're 6.5 games out of first and 10 GB of the wild card. And it's only June 1st.

 

Mauer, Lynn, Dozier, Escobar, Duke and Bobby Wilson are all potential free agents at the end of the year and Santana and Morrison have an option. So, since this is essentially another lost season, the FO should make a few moves in the next six weeks. Mauer and Santana aren't going to be traded. Morrison probably sticks around and Wilson has no trade value. My guess is that we do a few things.

 

1) Trade Dozier and bring up Nick Gordon. When Polanco comes back, the Twins will get half a season to see how those two fit into 2019 plans. Dozier has been slow to perform this year but he often starts slow. He's still on pace for a roughly 3 WAR season and hopefully he gets hot and drives up his trade value. Twins could keep him and put a QO on him but that seems risky and not really helpful to 2019. Red Sox have had to rely on Nunez a bunch at second base this year. And the Brewers have gotten 0.2 fWAR from their second basemen this year.

 

2) Trade Duke and Escobar for whatever we can get. Duke's LH and breathing so someone will want him. Maybe Escobar can get a Nunez-like return.

 

3) Trade Lynn and let Gonsalves, May or Littell get some ML innings. I have no idea what Lynn's trade value would be but moving him would save the Pohlad's some money, so it'll probably happen.

 

4) Fire Molitor. This is the second time in three years that a 80+ win team came in with expectations and looked absolutely lost from the outset. If that's not on the manager, then nothing is.

 

5) Get healthy and let the younger guys play. Don't let the manager pull Buxton in the 8th for Robbie Grossman to pinch hit anymore. Let Romero, Gonsalves, Berrios and Littell rack up innings. 

 

Other than the guys above, I think the Twins could think about trading Pressly and/or Gibson as well.

[Vanimal46]

I don't think they'll do anything for another month and hope something clicks.

 

If they're still below .500 without much hope, then Dozier will be the first to go. Ideally they can pull off what the Yankees did with Chapman...

 

Frankly anyone with an expiring contract will be in trade rumors.

 

The Molitor thing I can't see happening... I doubt the Pohlads want to pay 2 managers again. It's too bad this season didn't happen in 2017 so we could start fresh with a new manager.

[Vanimal46]

Slight tangent: I've never been more disappointed in the Buxton/Sano era than I am right now...

 

I would actively look for trade partners over the off-season.

[Jerr]

Molitor should never got the extension. There is little fire in this team, so these two things I TOTALLY echo:

 

4) Fire Molitor. This is the second time in three years that a 80+ win team came in with expectations and looked absolutely lost from the outset. If that's not on the manager, then nothing is.

 

5) Get healthy and let the younger guys play. Don't let the manager pull Buxton in the 8th for Robbie Grossman to pinch hit anymore. Let Romero, Gonsalves, Berrios and Littell rack up innings.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Twins are on pace for a 68-94 season and a top 7 pick. They're 6.5 games out of first and 10 GB of the wild card. And it's only June 1st.

 

Mauer, Lynn, Dozier, Escobar, Duke and Bobby Wilson are all potential free agents at the end of the year and Santana and Morrison have an option. So, since this is essentially another lost season, the FO should make a few moves in the next six weeks. Mauer and Santana aren't going to be traded. Morrison probably sticks around and Wilson has no trade value. My guess is that we do a few things.

 

1) Trade Dozier and bring up Nick Gordon. When Polanco comes back, the Twins will get half a season to see how those two fit into 2019 plans. Dozier has been slow to perform this year but he often starts slow. He's still on pace for a roughly 3 WAR season and hopefully he gets hot and drives up his trade value. Twins could keep him and put a QO on him but that seems risky and not really helpful to 2019. Red Sox have had to rely on Nunez a bunch at second base this year. And the Brewers have gotten 0.2 fWAR from their second basemen this year.

 

2) Trade Duke and Escobar for whatever we can get. Duke's LH and breathing so someone will want him. Maybe Escobar can get a Nunez-like return.

 

3) Trade Lynn and let Gonsalves, May or Littell get some ML innings. I have no idea what Lynn's trade value would be but moving him would save the Pohlad's some money, so it'll probably happen.

 

4) Fire Molitor. This is the second time in three years that a 80+ win team came in with expectations and looked absolutely lost from the outset. If that's not on the manager, then nothing is.

 

5) Get healthy and let the younger guys play. Don't let the manager pull Buxton in the 8th for Robbie Grossman to pinch hit anymore. Let Romero, Gonsalves, Berrios and Littell rack up innings. 

 

Other than the guys above, I think the Twins could think about trading Pressly and/or Gibson as well.

I would do all of this except trade Escobar. I want him on the team next season and several more after that. It would have to be one heck of a return for me part ways with him, and probably more of a return than what someone would be willing to offer.

 

To answer the question, yeah, if they keep floundering, I think you're right. I'd probably add that Buxton/Sano would be option candidates. I could see giving Wade a shot as an every day player for a few months. This is more a retool than a rebuild in my opinion. One big item I'd target is a near ML ready catcher. That's one of the bigger gaps on the team, especially with 2019 being Castro's last in MN.

 

The flip side, there's enough talent they could easily get hot, and this could be a repeat of last season.

[Darius]

They should trade everyone they can except Buxton, Sano, Kepler, Rosario, Berrios, Romero, and Gibson just like they should've done last year at the deadline.

 

Look how well hanging into Santana and Dozier is working out.

[TheLeviathan]

If Gibson has high interest - deal him too.

 

Dozier has been a time bomb ticking for awhile. Hitters who rely on feast and famine are generally a bad gamble, so I hope he has one more feast in him.

[Mike Sixel]

Hard to say.... But I'd guess the team flounders around five hundred this month.... And those that want them to sell are disappointed, and those that want them to do something to win are disappointed. I have bad feelings, and I don't like having bad feelings....

[Mike Sixel]

I would deal almost anyone, other than Sano, Buxton, Kepler, Romero, and Berrios. Even Rosario and Polanco....I don't trust Polanco to stay clean at this point. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone I'd keep.

 

I want Gordon and Wade and cave up here.....

[Darius]

I would do all of this except trade Escobar. I want him on the team next season and several more after that. It would have to be one heck of a return for me part ways with him, and probably more of a return than what someone would be willing to offer.

 

To answer the question, yeah, if they keep floundering, I think you're right. I'd probably add that Buxton/Sano would be option candidates. I could see giving Wade a shot as an every day player for a few months. This is more a retool than a rebuild in my opinion. One big item I'd target is a near ML ready catcher. That's one of the bigger gaps on the team, especially with 2019 being Castro's last in MN.

 

The flip side, there's enough talent they could easily get hot, and this could be a repeat of last season.

If theyre trading Buxton and Sano, it's a rebuild.

[wsnydes]

As much as things need to change, I'm worried that there won't be any significant changes to the staff or the roster aside from the FA's - which is kind of significant on it's own I guess.  There's still time to right the ship, but they keep finding new ways to lose.  I don't see anything happening until July.  When/if things do happen, I just hope that they're in a position where the direction is clear.  None of this damned if you do/damned if you don't scenarios like last season.  Pick a course and then stick to it, also unlike last season.

 

Like Darius said in the comment above, if you're trading Buxton and Sano, that's a rebuild.  Those were supposed to be your cornerstones.  I'm not sure that I'd go that far yet and I'm still willing to show a little patience with them, but that's wearing pretty thin.  I'd maybe entertain trading one of them depending on the offers, but I'm not sure that a rebuild is necessary yet.  

[cmoss84]

Could definitely see Dozier to the Brewers. Any thoughts on who they would trade to get him?

 

Gibson should go now. I don't see Lynn going until the trade deadline. We should get anything we can for any of our relievers and bring up our AAA guys. 

[Han Joelo]

I'll give it another month; a run and some crazy trade acquisition could flip the script rapidly...but I am afraid like Mike that it will be .475 mediocrity for another month.

 

If nothing changes in a month, I'm on board with everything the OP proposed, except maybe dealing Escobar.  I think that going forward without Dozier (and possibly Mauer) that he would capably fill that older guy role.  (Notice I didn't use the words "leadership" or "character," but you know what I mean.)

 

I don't think trading Sano signals a rebuild so much as it acknowledges maybe nothing is quite built in the first place, and I'd do that if he rebuilds some value.  Rather than waiting (and worrying about what he'd do if he ever got a pay dirt extension,) I'd move on from him and target Machado (unlikely) or Donaldson (possible) and hope Lewis and Kiriloff are on a really fast track.

[markos]

 

I would do all of this except trade Escobar. I want him on the team next season and several more after that. It would have to be one heck of a return for me part ways with him, and probably more of a return than what someone would be willing to offer.

To answer the question, yeah, if they keep floundering, I think you're right. I'd probably add that Buxton/Sano would be option candidates. I could see giving Wade a shot as an every day player for a few months. This is more a retool than a rebuild in my opinion. One big item I'd target is a near ML ready catcher. That's one of the bigger gaps on the team, especially with 2019 being Castro's last in MN.

The flip side, there's enough talent they could easily get hot, and this could be a repeat of last season.

Escobar is a pending free agent. He might be parting ways with the Twins this offseason regardless.

 

Also, it is true that the Twins last year had a stretch where they were this bad (basically mid June through early August), and they were able to get hot around it. But the bigger issue this year is that they are dealing with so many injuries. Buxton, Mauer, and Santana were arguably three of the four most valuable players on the team last year, and it's not like they are just struggling right now. Instead, they are all injured with no firm timetable for returns. Castro is in the same situation. And they are running out of time. I'm not sure what's the cutoff record at the trade deadline, but I have to think they need to be at least .500. There are 56 games left. So they need to go something like 31-23 over the next two months. It's possible, as they had streaks like that last year. But going on a run like that seems unlikely with 4/9ths of the expected opening day lineup on the DL for a good chunk of that stretch. 

[wsnydes]

Relying on a 20-10 month to make an otherwise mediocre to average at best season isn't a recipe for long term success.  

 

Hence, we have what we have this season.  Much of the same as what we saw most of last season.  Perhaps gone about differently, but the overall outcome is the same.

[beckmt]

I would start by firing Molly and hiring a Latin manager with some fire. I would then trade Rodney, Reed, Duke, Pressly, hopefully Cleveland will give us something decent for 2 of these. Trade Lynn and Gibson to either Boston or NY, they both need starters. Trade Dozier if you can get a decent offer. Otherwise will probably have to give a QO at end of year.

Try and get the young core to sign longer extensions, consider trading those who do not sign in the off-season. All offers must be reasonable, not giveaways or salary relief.

[ChrisKnutson]

With the draft coming up and the Twins playing like they are, I’d like to see our top prospects moved up through system quicker. We need Gordon, Lewis, Rooker, Kirilloff, Gonsalves, and our power arms in the pen to start playing with our core players as soon as possible.

 

And speaking of core players, despite playing well as of late maybe it’s time to move on and sell high on Miguel Sano, because I feel his health, lack of versatility/mobility, and strikeouts are eventually going to become too much of a chore to work around. As of late, championship teams have had lots of flexibility in their lineup; Cubs, Astros, Dodgers. I’d rather have a future Alex Bregman, Manny Machado, Anthony Rendon, or Jose Ramirez than Sano’s “potential”/“pure talent”/or “high ceiling.”

 

And with Polanco and Cano being suspended for PEDs, I won’t be surprised when Sano is found to be a PED user also. And I also won’t be suprised if there’s another assault case in his future either.

 

The Twins need to focus on a 2019 season that won’t include Mauer, Sano, or Molitor

[Mike Sixel]

We'd all like to have Machado ... But I really think people are waaaaaay too down on Sano

[Richie the Rally Goat]

1) Trade Dozier

 

2) Trade Escobar for whatever we can get. Maybe Escobar can get a Nunez-like return.

 

Mauer gone too.... I’d plan on Sano being your first baseman and Escobar being your third baseman or backup plan to Gordon/Polanco in the SS/2b tandem.

 

I’m kinda disappointed Escobar isn’t already extended...

[lukeduke1980]

I think I'd change as little as possible and hope for better health for 2019.  This is the Buxton / Sano era so let's let it ride. 

 

This is time to sort out the role players.

 

Grossman/Adrianza/Wilson/Lamarre:  It's already apparent that they are all AAA depth at best.

 

Garver/Escobar/Morrison/Mauer:  Evaluate them at the end of the year

 

Lynn/Reed/Duke/Rodney:  Trade 

 

Everyone else:  Part of 2019.

 

Dozier:  wildcard.  He'd be nice to have but I don't think he wants to be here.

 

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Red Sox have had to rely on Nunez a bunch at second base this year. And the Brewers have gotten 0.2 fWAR from their second basemen this year.

Do the Red Sox have much in the prospect pipeline worth acquiring?

 

There could potentially be a lot of good-performing 2B available in the trade market too. Gennett and Lowrie seem likely to be dealt, plus Asdrubal Cabrera, Cesar Hernandez, and others if their teams fade.

[gunnarthor]

 

Escobar is a pending free agent. He might be parting ways with the Twins this offseason regardless.

 

Also, it is true that the Twins last year had a stretch where they were this bad (basically mid June through early August), and they were able to get hot around it. But the bigger issue this year is that they are dealing with so many injuries. Buxton, Mauer, and Santana were arguably three of the four most valuable players on the team last year, and it's not like they are just struggling right now. Instead, they are all injured with no firm timetable for returns. Castro is in the same situation. And they are running out of time. I'm not sure what's the cutoff record at the trade deadline, but I have to think they need to be at least .500. There are 56 games left. So they need to go something like 31-23 over the next two months. It's possible, as they had streaks like that last year. But going on a run like that seems unlikely with 4/9ths of the expected opening day lineup on the DL for a good chunk of that stretch. 

I think you hit the nail on the head. This team is more like 2011 than 2015 in that injuries are really hurting them. I think this team has talent - a lot, actually, But I don't think Molitor is the manager for this team but, more importantly, the second wild card is probably out of reach already so we won't get a repeat of last year.

 

So let the talent play, retool (as someone said) by bringing up guys like Gordon and Gonsalves to see how they fit into 2019. 

[Thrylos]

 

 

Going forward, what moves do you think will happen?

 

The operating word being 'will' and not 'should', I think that this team will not trade anyone, esp. the players acquired as free agents this off-season, because it might make the Twins an unlikely destination of future free agents.  They will not trade Dozier because his manager and a large population of Twins' fans think that he is the cat's meow.  

 

What they will do is waiver wire watching and round robin to the minors with 2-3 bench and 2-3 bullpen spots.

 

What I think it should happen, is a different story, and it would start by getting rid of anyone hired by the Ryan regime with a job in the FO or in a player development and field personnel position...

[Han Joelo]

This FO (and by implication, Jim Pohlad.) has continually surprised me; some good, some not so good.  I'm not making any predictions about what WILL happen with these guys in charge.

[yarnivek1972]

I would do all of this except trade Escobar. I want him on the team next season and several more after that. It would have to be one heck of a return for me part ways with him, and probably more of a return than what someone would be willing to offer.

 

To answer the question, yeah, if they keep floundering, I think you're right. I'd probably add that Buxton/Sano would be option candidates. I could see giving Wade a shot as an every day player for a few months. This is more a retool than a rebuild in my opinion. One big item I'd target is a near ML ready catcher. That's one of the bigger gaps on the team, especially with 2019 being Castro's last in MN.

 

The flip side, there's enough talent they could easily get hot, and this could be a repeat of last season.

I could be wrong, but I believe the low water mark last year was 4 games under .500. The Twins currently are 8 in the hole. They would have to get VERY hot while the entire Cleveland roster all of a sudden forgot how to play. Yes, the Indian bullpen is vulnerable, especially with Miller out. But, he’ll be back and I think they will shore it up very soon.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I've pretty much reached the same conclusion the OP has reached. 

[rghrbek]

 

Could definitely see Dozier to the Brewers. Any thoughts on who they would trade to get him?

 

Gibson should go now. I don't see Lynn going until the trade deadline. We should get anything we can for any of our relievers and bring up our AAA guys. 

 

I like the idea that Gibson should be dangled early and often.  People over value pitching, and Kyle's performance over the last 4 months, has been very encouraging, but I am not a full believer yet.

 

If we can get #3 starter assets, which I think we can because he has arbitration next year, then I would do it.  I can't help with this feeling that he will turn back into a pumpkin.

 

People who want us to trade Lance Lynn, are reaching.  Do we really think that could possibly happen currently?  Maybe a Hughes type trade, but nobody is giving us any value for Lynn, currently.

 

Finally, I would trade some prospects, or other things for a catcher with a real future...I also would hold off on making any moves for the next month or so, to see where we end up.  If we are out of it, then I could see a scenario following most of the op ed's piece suggests.

 

I am still not willing to give up on Buck or Sano just yet.

[Cory Engelhardt]

If they keep floundering and are looking at selling, I hope they are at the very least open for business on each and every player that is a free agent at season's end. I also hope they are open to listening to any and all players that are set to be free agents after 2019. After that, figure out which young kids will be building blocks, and start making a push to REALLY be all in 2020.

 

Also, I don't know about Molitor. There is a reason they brought him back, and I'd hate to have given him a 3 year deal six months ago and then turn around and fire him so quickly. That feels much too rash in my book. If he chooses to leave that is a different matter.

[tbhysgb]

I think a pitcher will most likely be dealt, possibly Gibson because he's approaching long term deal territory with one year of Arbitration left. They have Pineda next year, Gonsalves needs a shot soon.  

 

As for other guys, I don't see any moves with position players unless someone really reaches for Dozier.

[Ryan Atkins]

I think OP makes a lot of sense and I can see some of that coming to fruition.

 

I would certainly be OK with trading Lynn, Rodney, Duke, Reed, and even Odo.

 

My opinion on Gibson has changed. I think we should keep him, maybe even extend him. The Twins have a lot of time invested in Gibson. We've had to wade through years of frustration and mediocrity and it seems like he has finally figured out how to pitch at this level. Why should some other team reap the benefits of what could be Gibson's best years when it was the Twins that had to endure all the growing pains.

 

Rotation: Berrios, Gibson, Romero, Gonsalves, May/Santana(?)

 

Also: The Twins have to be greatly disappointed with what they are getting from Logan Morrison, practically an automatic out. 4 solo HR, 2 2-R HR. Hindsight is 20/20, but does anyone believe we would have been worse off with Vargas in place of Morrison? It is getting close to the point in the season where, if he turns it around, who cares, it won't benefit the team unless we can entice someone into a deadline trade for a LH power bat.