Going forward, what moves do you think will happen?

[Thrylos]

 

Dozier will be in boston

 

Faneuil Hall?

[Mr. Brooks]

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.

Trading him has no impact on bringing him back, or not, next year.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Escobar is a pending free agent.

Trading him has no impact on bringing him back, or not, next year.

you say that like he couldn’t possibly get his feelings hurt, or the GM of the team he gets traded to would never try to extend him during the season

[Mr. Brooks]

you say that like he couldn’t possibly get his feelings hurt, or the GM of the team he gets traded to would never try to extend him during the season

Why would his feelings be hurt by the Twins giving him an opportunity to win a championship?

 

Sure, there is a very small chance a trading team could extend him. How often does that happen this close to free agency though?

[The Wise One]

Pitchers pitching well nets returns when a club is looking for an arm. Fernando Rodney has never brought back much to a team other than that ubiquitous player named CASH or Named Later. Zach Duke has historically never brought back much in return.  Reed has another year left on the contract so he wouldn't be a rental. He has brought back a nice prospect before  If Lance Lynn got  his era down to career average he would be worth something as a hot starter. To go from a nearly 6 era to under 4 would be amazing. As his ERA is ballooned compared to fip, the Twins need to say "Robbie Grossman was in right field" to have teams not scared off by the ERA. A middle of the rotation starter could net the twins a decent upside prospect. 

Position players. The team Scooter Gennett plays for traded a rental Ace for Brandon Finnegan.  Gennett will be cheaper than Dozier and is having a better season. Starlin Castro might not be as good as Dozier but would be cheaper to obtain.  Escobar would be as valuable as  Dozier. He might not hit as well but would be more useful as a bench fill in player.  If lomo and grossman keeps upping their ops by 10 points every week  one or both of them might have some value. In trade one of them  would be as valuable as a can of Sockeye Salmon.  Any player that is Arb or pre arb shouldn't be traded unless the offer is too good to pass up. 

[jorgenswest]

Pitchers pitching well nets returns when a club is looking for an arm. Fernando Rodney has never brought back much to a team other than that ubiquitous player named CASH or Named Later.

 

I think the Padres are very satisfied with the return of Chris Paddock for Rodney.

[diehardtwinsfan]

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

I didn't say trade Buxton and Sano. I said option candidates (i.e. time in the minors).

[diehardtwinsfan]

Escobar is a pending free agent.

Trading him has no impact on bringing him back, or not, next year.

I've said before that I'd QO him at worst... but they can work an extension out now. There's no rule against that. If he's insistent on testing FA.. then I'd consider QO or trade.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Why would his feelings be hurt by the Twins giving him an opportunity to win a championship?

 

Sure, there is a very small chance a trading team could extend him. How often does that happen this close to free agency though?

hes a human being, I couldn’t begin to predict how he would react.

 

I have no idea how to begin to research the frequency of a rental player getting traded then extended in season, but my hunch would be first time free agents would be the overwhelming majority of them. Escobar has youth, flexibility and productivity. All valuable, much like the Nunez trade.

 

This is the point... there are no certainties, but if you’d like to have him next year and you think you can resign/extend, best not to change any of the contract variables outside of extend him now. People react to stability far more positively than they do to instability.

[bighat]

I 100% agree with a Molitor firing. The sooner the better. Hire a young, evil-genius type. I also like the idea of calling up the young guys and letting them play. Watching the team flounder while playing Adrianza, Grossman, Lynn, and Bobby Wilson on a regular basis is mind-boggling. We'd prefer to watch them struggle with Gordon, Wade/Buxton, and Gonsalves in the lineup. Dozier's already packing his bags mentally. He'll be moved if things continue for sure.

 

It's going to be a very busy July for the front office, regardless of whether the Twins pick it up or continue to freefall.

 

[ewen21]

 

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.  

 

 

I have heard some people refer to him as "the face of the franchise" and his "leadership" has been referenced in many different places.

 

First of all, I would much rather have a team with no one designated as the "face of" or the "voice of".  I would much prefer a team without those kind of labels.  Dozier has been with this team the longest (aside from Mauer) and that is I guess the reason why.  I don't know what makes his face THE FACE.  He's a smiley faced white guy, I suppose.  To me Escobar is more of a leader.  I would rather have him up in a clutch situation.  Not sure how a guy can be called a leader when the fact is said player was a member of cellar dweller teams for most of his career.  He also runs hot and cold to the extreme.  And he hits plenty of home runs but feels he needs to bat leadoff although his on base percentage isn't particularly good.  I also recall at the beginning of the 2016 season he was moping and caught not hustling on a number of occasions.  Then when the team was completely out of it his bat came alive.  The last thing I want to hear is stuff about how "he's good in the clubhouse" or that missing him will create a "leadership void".  We have to get over these kinds of slogans and catchphrases as a fanbase. Folks get attached to players like Dozier and Cuddyer because they are smiley faced guys who can hold court with the press and they get labeled "voice of the Twins" and "Face of the franchise" by a segment of the fanbase.  I think that kind of thing is not only misguided and contrived, but it is also bad for the organization

 

All of that aside, it really doesn't make sense giving Dozier a multi-year deal.  We just cannot take that risk.  He will be 32 next season and we will be paying him for what he did as opposed to what he will likely be.  We also have younger players who can be reasonable replacements right away.  I suppose we will miss Dozier's home runs, but even that comes with a catch--as we all know.  How many low leverage solo shots can a guy hit?  

 

[rdehring]

Just as good a chance they lose 100 games, or win the division, as going 68-94.  Why don't we all sit back and enjoy a full summer of baseball and see what happens before getting all our feathers ruffled, eh?

[ewen21]

 

We'd all like to have Machado

Leave me off that list.  I also wouldn't want Bryce Harper.

 

There is something about both of these players that cannot allow me to root for them.  Machado and Harper both have had their share of silly outbursts on the field along with displays of ignorance and arrogance in interviews and interactions with other players around the league.  Sometimes it is actually good to blow a gasket, but Machado completely lost his mind in that series against the A's several years ago. Call that petty on my part or whatever, but baseball isn't all about numbers with me.  Machado and Harper are the kinds of guys one associates with modern day baseball and where it is heading.  Both players ooze the vibe of "pay me now" and if anyone thought the Darvish stuff over this offseason was ridiculous wait until you see what Machado and Harper are going to try to do this off season.  Nope.  I do not want either of those guys on the team I root for.  So many other stars to choose from.  I prefer to point to guys like Jose Altuve, Aaron Judge or Kris Bryant...etc  

 

It doesn't come down to numbers every single time with me.

Call me crazy, I guess

[terrydactyls]

Here is my quick look at the current roster and what I would do if I were FalVine.

Assumption #1:   It is now after the All-Star Game and the Twins have no chance at a wild card slot. 
Assumption #2:  Joe Mauer decides that his future is more important than playing (good move on his part) and retires.
Assumption #3:  Minor League promotions to the Twins are dependent on how many currently on the roster are moved.

Assumption #4:  For Pitchers, “Trade or Keep” means trade if the offer is good or keep if it isn’t.

 

Hitters:

Eddie Rosario        Extend
Joe Mauer              Retire
Ryan LaMarre        Trade
Eduardo Escobar   Extend
Max Kepler             Extend
Brian Dozier           Trade
Ehire Adrianza       Trade or DFA
Robbie Grossman  Trade or DFA
Mitch Garver           Keep
Miguel Sano            Extend
Logan Morrison       Trade
Bobby Wilson          Trade or DFA
Byron Buxton          Extend
Jason Castro           Keep
Jake Cave               Trade or DFA

 

Pitchers:

Matt Magill                Keep
Ryan Pressly            Keep
Addison Reed          Trade or Keep
Fernando Rodney    Trade or Keep
Trevor Hildenberger Trade or Keep
Kyle Gibson              Keep
Zach Duke               Trade or Keep
Jose Berrios             Keep
Jake Odorizzi           Trade or Keep
Fernando Romero    Keep
Taylor Rogers           Trade or Keep
Lance Lynn               Trade or Keep

 

Corresponding   Minor League Moves:

 

Rochester:

Nick Gordon              Promote to Twins
Wynston Sawyer       Promote to Twins
Alan Busenitz            Promote to Twins
Gabriel Moya             Promote to Twins
John Curtiss              Promote to Twins
Stephen Gonsalves   Promote to Twins
Zack Littell                 Promote to Twins

Chattanooga:
LaMonte Wade          Promote to Twins
Zander Wiel               Promote to Twins
Andrew Vasquez       Promote to Twins
Stephen Gonsalves   Promote to Twins
Tyler Jay                    Promote to Twins
Zack Jones                Promote to Twins
Zack Littell                 Promote to Twins

 

And now the Twins are all mine and I can earn vast fortunes as the GM.   Yippee......

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Leave me off that list. I also wouldn't want Bryce Harper.

 

There is something about both of these players that cannot allow me to root for them. Machado and Harper both have had their share of silly outbursts on the field along with displays of ignorance and arrogance in interviews and interactions with other players around the league. Sometimes it is actually good to blow a gasket, but Machado completely lost his mind in that series against the A's several years ago. Call that petty on my part or whatever, but baseball isn't all about numbers with me. Machado and Harper are the kinds of guys one associates with modern day baseball and where it is heading. Both players ooze the vibe of "pay me now" and if anyone thought the Darvish stuff over this offseason was ridiculous wait until you see what Machado and Harper are going to try to do this off season. Nope. I do not want either of those guys on the team I root for. So many other stars to choose from. I prefer to point to guys like Jose Altuve, Aaron Judge or Kris Bryant...etc

 

It doesn't come down to numbers every single time with me.

Call me crazy, I guess

you’re crazy

[Kelly Vance]

 

Right now, the plan should be to do this:

Absolutely nothing.

It’s June 1st. Even if you’re ready to throw in the towel - and there’s little reason to do that quite yet - you’re not going to get buyers for your pieces anyway.

Give it a month, see what happens.

I agree. Too many people whining and looking for a shinier pebble when we are 5.5 games back of Cleveland and have two remaining in this set.  I don't see how trading starters for prospects does anything but admit defeat and defer contention down the road.  And you don't admit defeat on June 1 when only 5.5 games back. I mean, really?

 

Twins have scored 8,8 and 7 runs the last three games. And in the two losses they staged nice comebacks. Dozier just led a players meeting and I expect that his leadership matters. I'm going to hate to see him go, but I'd keep him and make a QO. Then really try to extend him and the whole OF.  I also think we need to be patient with Bux and Sano. Both have been hurt after all. Mauer, if he wants to try to play next year, gets a contract. Although for more realistic money.

 

This team is not that far off, but it needs to gel. Polanco comes off suspension after the ASB and he will give us a boost. Meanwhile the pitching is better than expected. LoMo is starting to hit and there is no way they move him with Mauer hurt. If Mauer retires, Sano and LoMo make a nice 1B/DH platoon. 

 

I'm not throwing in the (crying) towel yet. Those who are getting antsy need to go bobber fishing and learn some patience.  And really, we should fire the reigning Manager of the Year? Seriously?

[Thrylos]

 

Here is my quick look at the current roster and what I would do if I were FalVine.

Assumption #1:   It is now after the All-Star Game and the Twins have no chance at a wild card slot. 
Assumption #2:  Joe Mauer decides that his future is more important than playing (good move on his part) and retires.
Assumption #3:  Minor League promotions to the Twins are dependent on how many currently on the roster are moved.

Assumption #4:  For Pitchers, “Trade or Keep” means trade if the offer is good or keep if it isn’t.

 

Hitters:

Eddie Rosario        Extend
Joe Mauer              Retire
Ryan LaMarre        Trade
Eduardo Escobar   Extend
Max Kepler             Extend
Brian Dozier           Trade
Ehire Adrianza       Trade or DFA
Robbie Grossman  Trade or DFA
Mitch Garver           Keep
Miguel Sano            Extend
Logan Morrison       Trade
Bobby Wilson          Trade or DFA
Byron Buxton          Extend
Jason Castro           Keep
Jake Cave               Trade or DFA

 

Pitchers:

Matt Magill                Keep
Ryan Pressly            Keep
Addison Reed          Trade or Keep
Fernando Rodney    Trade or Keep
Trevor Hildenberger Trade or Keep
Kyle Gibson              Keep
Zach Duke               Trade or Keep
Jose Berrios             Keep
Jake Odorizzi           Trade or Keep
Fernando Romero    Keep
Taylor Rogers           Trade or Keep
Lance Lynn               Trade or Keep

 

Corresponding   Minor League Moves:

 

Rochester:

Nick Gordon              Promote to Twins
Wynston Sawyer       Promote to Twins
Alan Busenitz            Promote to Twins
Gabriel Moya             Promote to Twins
John Curtiss              Promote to Twins
Stephen Gonsalves   Promote to Twins
Zack Littell                 Promote to Twins

Chattanooga:
LaMonte Wade          Promote to Twins
Zander Wiel               Promote to Twins
Andrew Vasquez       Promote to Twins
Stephen Gonsalves   Promote to Twins
Tyler Jay                    Promote to Twins
Zack Jones                Promote to Twins
Zack Littell                 Promote to Twins

 

And now the Twins are all mine and I can earn vast fortunes as the GM.   Yippee......

 

And they would need a 38- instead of a 25-man roster with those moves

 

[terrydactyls]

And they would need a 38- instead of a 25-man roster with those moves

That's why I have assumption #3 which specifically says that callups are dependent on the available number of roster spots.

[Mike Sixel]

I agree. Too many people whining and looking for a shinier pebble when we are 5.5 games back of Cleveland and have two remaining in this set. I don't see how trading starters for prospects does anything but admit defeat and defer contention down the road. And you don't admit defeat on June 1 when only 5.5 games back. I mean, really?

 

Twins have scored 8,8 and 7 runs the last three games. And in the two losses they staged nice comebacks. Dozier just led a players meeting and I expect that his leadership matters. I'm going to hate to see him go, but I'd keep him and make a QO. Then really try to extend him and the whole OF. I also think we need to be patient with Bux and Sano. Both have been hurt after all. Mauer, if he wants to try to play next year, gets a contract. Although for more realistic money.

 

This team is not that far off, but it needs to gel. Polanco comes off suspension after the ASB and he will give us a boost. Meanwhile the pitching is better than expected. LoMo is starting to hit and there is no way they move him with Mauer hurt. If Mauer retires, Sano and LoMo make a nice 1B/DH platoon.

 

I'm not throwing in the (crying) towel yet. Those who are getting antsy need to go bobber fishing and learn some patience. And really, we should fire the reigning Manager of the Year? Seriously?

So, so, much not to like here. I disagree with your premise that fans that disagree with you are doing it wrong....

[ewen21]

 

you’re crazy

 

Doesn't make me wrong.

[ewen21]

 

I agree. Too many people whining and looking for a shinier pebble when we are 5.5 games back of Cleveland and have two remaining in this set.  I don't see how trading starters for prospects does anything but admit defeat and defer contention down the road.  And you don't admit defeat on June 1 when only 5.5 games back. I mean, really?

 

Twins have scored 8,8 and 7 runs the last three games. And in the two losses they staged nice comebacks. Dozier just led a players meeting and I expect that his leadership matters. I'm going to hate to see him go, but I'd keep him and make a QO. Then really try to extend him and the whole OF.  I also think we need to be patient with Bux and Sano. Both have been hurt after all. Mauer, if he wants to try to play next year, gets a contract. Although for more realistic money.

 

This team is not that far off, but it needs to gel. Polanco comes off suspension after the ASB and he will give us a boost. Meanwhile the pitching is better than expected. LoMo is starting to hit and there is no way they move him with Mauer hurt. If Mauer retires, Sano and LoMo make a nice 1B/DH platoon. 

 

I'm not throwing in the (crying) towel yet. Those who are getting antsy need to go bobber fishing and learn some patience.  And really, we should fire the reigning Manager of the Year? Seriously?

You seem more antsy than anyone I have seen around here.  Almost 100% of your posts are about blasting other posters for criticizing the team.  

At least the critics discuss the team.  Your agenda seems to be to talk about posters.  I suggest you not react so emotionally to posts.  Calm down.

 

[Kelly Vance]

 

So, so, much not to like here. I disagree with your premise that fans that disagree with you are doing it wrong....

Nobody said that. And you don't get to define my message. But I am sure many others think crying "Woe is me"  on June 1 is kinda weak.   Thing is, all the trade for trade's sake people are going to leave the team better off how?  Having prospects that may make it to the show in 2020?  Disagree, fine.   I am secure in my Twinsgfanness. but have  a reason, and be willing to give it....I don't mind disagreeing, but say why....

[Kelly Vance]

 

You seem more antsy than anyone I have seen around here.  Almost 100% of your posts are about blasting other posters for criticizing the team.  

At least the critics discuss the team.  Your agenda seems to be to talk about posters.  I suggest you not react so emotionally to posts.  Calm down.

Im Glad You Didn't Take It Personally.....name of a book (sequel actually) By Jim "Ball Four" Bouton.

You seem to stalk me and react to my posts, like it is your new mission.  Still holding a grudge from long ago?  I don't get it. 

 

[Kelly Vance]

 

You seem more antsy than anyone I have seen around here.  Almost 100% of your posts are about blasting other posters for criticizing the team.  

At least the critics discuss the team.  Your agenda seems to be to talk about posters.  I suggest you not react so emotionally to posts.  Calm down.

You seem far too interested in me. This is a Twins site, and I don't understand why you seem to be so preoccupied with little old formidable me. I think making every post a personal thing is you, not me. Im sure it bores others. 

 

Note to moderators.  Yeah, I know

[USAFChief]

Mod note: enough. All of you.

[The Wise One]

 

I think the Padres are very satisfied with the return of Chris Paddock for Rodney.

Paddock does not show up on prospect lists. He is currently in highA. He is doing well.  He has a chance, like Moya, like Mejia, like Palka.  Paddock might work out like Escobar or he might be Hernandez.  The Padres are happy that they got a prospect with a pulse. 2 years after the trade they have a player that is still nowhere near the majors. That is  what you get

[DocBauer]

What WILL happen? Absolutely nothing, barring injuries, except maybe a few bullpen arms up and down and the hopeful return of Mauer and Buxton. (But I'm truly concerned about Joe at this point).

 

Why? Because #1, nothing major happens until mid season anyway, and #2, as terrible as the team has played at times, they have also had good stretches, against good teams, and was actually out together pretty well overall.

 

At some point, both May and Santana may be ready to help. July 1st??? It's not unreasonable to expect that. Gonsalves, Slegers, Littell and Mejia offer real depth potential. With that being said, I could Lynn moved to a contending team for a viable return, especially if the Twins lick up all or most of his salary. I feel Duke and Rodney could be moved at some point, but could just as easily finish the season. (Either or both could be brought back).

 

The problem/issue is not selling/dumping, it's getting the position players to just perform as capable. (A little better injury luck would help). Rochester will provide depth and some interesting/good dilemmas with auditions/promotions. Someone lime Davis or Vargas could potentially get a shot to provide a boost if Mauer is out long term or done. But other than an upgrade over Adrianza so he can return to the bench, (Escobar at SS more and a return of Polanco does this), a better option at backup catcher could be interesting/possible.

[jorgenswest]

Paddock does not show up on prospect lists. He is currently in highA. He is doing well.  He has a chance, like Moya, like Mejia, like Palka.  Paddock might work out like Escobar or he might be Hernandez.  The Padres are happy that they got a prospect with a pulse. 2 years after the trade they have a player that is still nowhere near the majors. That is  what you get

Really? Ubiquitous player to be named? Prospect with a pulse?

 

He was drafted out of high school the previous year. This was written on the day of the trade.

 

“In order to gain the low cost and relatively high-upside reliever, Miami had to part with a fairly intriguing prospect. Paddack was just an eighth-round pick in the 2015 draft, but he has been nothing short of remarkable at the Class A level in 2016. Over 28 1/3 innings, he has allowed a ridiculous nine hits and carries a brilliant 0.95 ERA with a 48-to-2 K/BB ratio. MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis rate him the 17th-best prospect on an poorly-regarded Marlins farm — the same offseason ranking he received from Baseball America — but it seems fair to say that his star is on the rise.”

[jimbo92107]

I would still give it a month before trading people, but I would still promote and cut the guys I mentioned before:

 

Bring up Gordon, Wade, Rooker, and Navaretto.

Cut Wilson, Grossman, Petit, and Adrianza.

 

I see they just brought up Zach Littel. Good. I hope they also bring up Gonsalves.

 

A few in-house moves could make a big difference before mid season. 

 

[The Wise One]

 

Really? Ubiquitous player to be named? Prospect with a pulse?

He was drafted out of high school the previous year. This was written on the day of the trade.

“In order to gain the low cost and relatively high-upside reliever, Miami had to part with a fairly intriguing prospect. Paddack was just an eighth-round pick in the 2015 draft, but he has been nothing short of remarkable at the Class A level in 2016. Over 28 1/3 innings, he has allowed a ridiculous nine hits and carries a brilliant 0.95 ERA with a 48-to-2 K/BB ratio. MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis rate him the 17th-best prospect on an poorly-regarded Marlins farm — the same offseason ranking he received from Baseball America — but it seems fair to say that his star is on the rise.”

the 17th best prospect in a poor farm system is something to rave about? Really. He has some upside.  How many pitchers have had upside in the low minors that  went unfulfilled?  Adrian Salcedo ring a bell?  Make a trade to get rid of the rental type  players when the season is lost. Do not expect "a haul".