Part One: What Mike would do the rest of the year, the Offense

[Mike Sixel]

Part 1, the offense/defense.

 

Well, I guess I’m going to post what I’d do the rest of this year, if I were the Twins. First, I’m going to lay out my thought process, then the moves I’d make right now.

 

1. I don’t think this team makes the playoffs this year, so the emphasis is on preparing the team for next year.
2. This preparation goes all the way to the minors. (later post)
3. I believe we don’t always know how a player will react to the majors, and that scouting is not a perfect art. Therefore, I believe that you can gather data at the major league level about ability, and that players need time to adapt. I want both to happen this year.
4. I am not a believer in Morrison or Forsythe.
5. I may include some thoughts on possible free agents to fill holes, but that’s probably a different post, we’ll see. (edit: mostly a later post)
6. I want more positional flexibility than the team currently has, especially at DH.

 

Things I think about next year, that influence what moves I’d make:

 

1. I am going to assume the budget is a bit lower next year, which impacts a decision or two on what needs to be done this year, as they can’t fill all the holes from the outside.
2. Castro will be back.
3. The team only has a near term future of success if Sano and Buxton are good, so I’ll build assuming those two are here and starting next year.
4. As much as I like Nick Gordon, he’s not ready for next year, and is not in my plans to start the year at all.

Ok, so, what would I do the rest of the year?

 

First, I don’t think there is an OF they can (or will) sign that is better than what Rosario/Buxton/Kepler will provide (and they need to see what Buxton can do). The one I’d consider is McCutchen, but in the meantime, they can gather data on Wade and Cave (and Kepler).

 

Second, I don’t think there are many FAs in general (on offense) that are better than what they have, and I have not looked at trade candidates yet, so this plan is mostly about FAs vs internal candidates.

 

Catcher:
I don’t get to watch the games much, so I can’t see Garver drop balls, or whatever else his issues are. But, if he’s going to get better, then he needs to catch 60-70% of the games the rest of the year. We do know (I think) that he can hit, based on this year and his minor league track record.

 

I would also call up Astudillo and have him catch some. Not much, but some. Let’s have everyone see if he can be an option at catcher or not. Wilson gets the other starts.

 

Since Garver can play 1B and maybe RF, I’d consider signing a FA in this area. FAs that I like are Yasmani Grandal and Wilson Ramos. But, Ramos is hurt a lot, and Grandal will be expensive (I think the Dodgers bring him back). So, the options there aren’t great. Let’s see if Garver and Astudillo can help there or not next year.

 

 

Third Base:
This is an easy one, Sano starts every game there the rest of the year (well, unless he needs a day off, which he might). The near term future of this team largely rests in his improvement, imo. I think he’ll be one of the ten best 3B the rest of the year, and then top 5-10 next year. Just a hunch. Edit: Thinking about it more, Astudillo gets 5 or so starts here this year. Need to see if he’s a viable utility guy.

 

 

Shortstop:
Another easy one. Polanco starts here. He’s either your SS or 2B next year, and I would think it will be easier to find a 2B in FA or trade than a SS (no, they are not signing Machado, alas). Even if it isn’t, it is easier to move him to 2B in the off season than right now.

 

 

Second Base:
Yuck. I’m not sure what to do here, as I type this up. I’ll have to come back to this after I do the rest. Edit: came back….um, Forsythe? Adrianza? I’m not sure I care between those two. Not Astudillo, he never played there once in the minors.

 

An OFF THE WALL idea is to move Rosario back there, but I think that is a mistake. He’s producing, let’s not mess with that. But, if they did, I’d not be upset. I hope they bring back Escobar for this spot, or trade for a second baseman with control (edit: I’ll look at trade candidates later, this might not be viable).

 

 

First Base:
Mauer gets half the starts. Morrison is cut. Astudillo gets a few starts here. But, (edit) Tyler Austin (not Riley) gets most of them here or DH. This is a chance to see what Riley has, or does not have, in terms of offense and defense. Kind of need more data to know if the team needs to find another 1B/DH type or not….unless they KNOW Mauer is coming back. Even then, they have Riley, they should figure out what they have.

 

In a possible surprise move, I try Kepler here also. Adding Wade means they have enough OF to cover the spots, and this might give them roster flexibility for next year. Kepler and Mauer are hitting about the same, and between Rosario/Cave/Buxton/Wade/FA, they can more easily replace an OF than a first baseman. The more I think about this, the more I like Kepler at first and RF and occasional DH next year, and the less I want Mauer back. Mauer is a HOF player, but his best days are behind him, and moving on from him means a ton of position flexibility for this roster next year. I think Rooker could play here in 2019 also.

 

If anything, packaging Kepler with a few minor league players might be an option to upgrade the roster. But, I’m not trading him for any player that they don’t think puts up at least 3 WAR doing forward. Not because I think Kepler will, but because I don’t think the delta/risk is worth doing so. I’d want a catcher or second baseman in this upgrade, maybe a starting pitcher (but only an elite one).

 

 

Left Field:
Easy one, Rosario gets nearly all the starts, with Wade or Cave getting some. It is time to see if Wade is an option for backup OF and DH next year or not.

 

 

Center Field:
Keep Buxton on the DL for as long as possible. Get him healthy. Then send him to FTM or Rochester for the rest of their seasons. Then, maybe, maybe, call him up. In the meantime, Wade/Cave/Kepler play CF in some mix. Mostly Cave and Wade, I’d guess.

 

 

Right Field:
Kepler, Wade and maybe Riley get time out here? I don’t think Riley does in my plan, frankly. Actually, see first base above for why Kepler doesn’t play here all the time…..

 

 

DH:
Riley, Astudillo, Wade, Sano get time at DH, and maybe Garver depending on how much rest a catcher starting that much needs. But my main goal is to get Riley ABs at DH or 1B to see what he has.

 

 

So, what moves need to be made?

 

• Cut Grossman, replace him with Wade Grossman provides little value, if any, even when he is getting on base. He can’t field, and he isn’t much of a runner. Just not enough offense to make up for the lack of defense. Wade might be as good on offense, and can at least play defense some.
• Cut Morrison, replace him with Riley. Morrison is not a long term asset, and I’m not sure he’s all that good next year. Let’s see what Riley and others can do.
• Hmmmm…..cut Belisle, replace him with Astudillo (this has a trickle down effect on the RPs…..).

My goal is to get Riley and Wade at bats to see if they are viable candidates for next year. My secondary goal is to get Astudillo time at catcher and 3B, to see if he is a viable flexibility option or not. I also really want to see what Kepler can do on defense at first base.

[diehardtwinsfan]

pretty similar to what I'd do. I think you're stuck with Forsythe for teh rest of the season... not sure I really care too much there. I am looking for someone to man that spot next year, and that wouldn't be Gordon. I'd probably sign Escobar to a 3 year deal and give him the job next year with an understanding that he becomes a super utility guy starting 3 out of every 4 games at 2B, 3B, and SS once Gordon is ready. 

 

I'm quite prepared to burn Buxton's last option in 2019 as well. Not sure if I'd hand the job to Wade or Cave, but I think I'd make Buxton earn a callup in 2019. 

[Mike Sixel]

 

pretty similar to what I'd do. I think you're stuck with Forsythe for teh rest of the season... not sure I really care too much there. I am looking for someone to man that spot next year, and that wouldn't be Gordon. I'd probably sign Escobar to a 3 year deal and give him the job next year with an understanding that he becomes a super utility guy starting 3 out of every 4 games at 2B, 3B, and SS once Gordon is ready. 

 

I'm quite prepared to burn Buxton's last option in 2019 as well. Not sure if I'd hand the job to Wade or Cave, but I think I'd make Buxton earn a callup in 2019. 

 

I considered the Buxton thing.....it's one reason I want to see Cave/Wade the rest of the year. Do they need to go find a CF type, just in case Buxton is bad Byron next year? I'm not sure I wouldn't hand him the spot, but I'm also not sure I would.......but I think I would. But I want a good backup plan.

 

IF I could ID a legit OF upgrade to Kepler, I'd find one, even though I think Max has a ton more inside him.

[Drew]

Tyler Austin? 

[Mike Sixel]

 

Tyler Austin? 

 

I think I have the edit correct this time.....

[Thrylos]

Sounds good.

 

The only things I would do differently is to get Astrudillo up and cut Wilson.

 

As far as OF goes, Cave, Rosario, Kepler, and Wade are all LHBs, and all but Rosario are left throwers so they have minimal position flexibility.   If I were to cut Grossman, I'd like to see what Zander Wiel can do.  He deserves a chance and this team needs RHBs

Also, I'd play Austin at 1B 70% of the time and Mauer there about 30%.  He needs the reps on the field more than Mauer.

 

Also, I'd replace Forsythe with Gordon.  Let's finally see what he can and what he cannot do.  Forsythe (or Astrudillo or Adrianza) are not part of the future there for the Twins.

 

In other words:

 

out: Wison in: Astrudillo

out: Morrison: in Austin

out: Forsythe: in Gordon

out: Grossman: in Wade

out: Belisle: in Wiel

 

And the last thing I would look (in a trade, FA signing, IFA signing, draft pick) in the next 3 years is yet another left hitting, left throwing OF

[Mike Sixel]

 

Sounds good.

 

The only things I would do differently is to get Astrudillo up and cut Wilson.

 

As far as OF goes, Cave, Rosario, Kepler, and Wade are all LHBs, and all but Rosario are left throwers so they have minimal position flexibility.   If I were to cut Grossman, I'd like to see what Zander Wiel can do.  He deserves a chance and this team needs RHBs

Also, I'd play Austin at 1B 70% of the time and Mauer there about 30%.  He needs the reps on the field more than Mauer.

 

Also, I'd replace Forsythe with Gordon.  Let's finally see what he can and what he cannot do.  Forsythe (or Astrudillo or Adrianza) are not part of the future there for the Twins.

 

In other words:

 

out: Wison in: Astrudillo

out: Morrison: in Austin

out: Forsythe: in Gordon

out: Grossman: in Wade

out: Belisle: in Wiel

 

And the last thing I would look (in a trade, FA signing, IFA signing, draft pick) in the next 3 years is yet another left hitting, left throwing OF

 

I was conflicted on the Wilson/Astudillo question, and would be ok with doing that instead of what I said. And, I think you are right on the 1B thing.....but I was trying to be somewhat realistic about how often mauer will be benched. 

 

I just am not there on Gordon yet, though. Weil? No idea. It wouldn't kill me either way.....it's not like he's young.....so it doesn't kill them keeping him around through his best years.

 

I started looking at leaderboards and FA lists....and SS/2B is going to be tough to fix, if they don't bring back Escobar for 2B.

[Mike Sixel]

Sigh....I made a typo on Austin, and somehow got Riley in there. And now it is too late to edit.....if that somehow ruins my "cred", oh well.....hopefully it is clear who I MEANT to type...

[gocgo]

I would not play Rosario at 2B mainly because he has shown an arm in LF.  He has range and a gun, let him shoot.

[Mike Sixel]

 

I would not play Rosario at 2B mainly because he has shown an arm in LF.  He has range and a gun, let him shoot.

 

Ya, I probably would only do that in some alternative world.....but I threw it out as a thought experiment.

[tvagle]

 

Also, I'd replace Forsythe with Gordon.  Let's finally see what he can and what he cannot do.  Forsythe (or Astrudillo or Adrianza) are not part of the future there for the Twins.

I too am ready to see what Gordon can do...he's got bloodlines that have been successful at the MLB level, time to throw him to the wolves and see how fast he assimilates

 

The Tortuga experiment was nice and playful, but I, for one, have a hard time taking a team serious when there is more value in the novelty of a player (ability to make contact and presumably play all over the place) than in how he makes the team better

 

Escobar became such an integral part of the team by being serviceable at several positions first and then becoming a much better hitter through the years

 

I'd want a utility guy that is glove first bat second (see Ehire)

[Major League Ready]

Sounds good, Mike. I am not sure I would change anything. I will be curious to see your thoughts on pitching, especially if you would you go so far as to cut Santana? 

[Mike Sixel]

 

Sounds good, Mike. I am not sure I would change anything. I will be curious to see your thoughts on pitching, especially if you would you go so far as to cut Santana? 

 

Heh, that one is going to be harder to write, imo. There are a lot more options!

 

and thanks.

[nicksaviking]

Good stuff Mike, nothing there to disagree with. I'm really behind giving Kepler ample time at 1B if only to make the roster more flexible (I'm also behind using him as trade bait to upgrade the roster this off season). 

 

I like Astudillo but was originally going to say that he really looks like one of those gimmicky players that we'll all look back on in a decade and name drop to prove our Twins-cred, but I didn't realize for the first time ever he's starting to develop some pop. Yeah, he needs to be up even if Molitor isn't creative enough to know what to do with him, he can ask Jeff Pickler.

 

 

[Linus]

I also think this spot on. In the off season I would be looking for a right handed outfielder for insurance. I don’t think I would play Kepler at first but love the Astudillo idea. I like the idea of no set dh so we have another bench spot

[scottz]

I think positional flexibility is a great thing to try to maximize a 25-man roster. It's not for every player - for example, no one would dream of putting Sano in RF - but some players really do seem to thrive on being able to take the field in any position. If Rosario is up for some time at the keystone, give him an infielder's glove. If Garver can play 1B or RF on occasion, let's go. Kepler at 1B, sure! I dare say it makes the player more marketable (if they like it and can play multiple positions reasonably well), and it allows the team to play match-up against a pitcher. Heck, I'd go so far as to identify relief pitchers that can track down a fly ball reasonably well so they could play the outfield for an out if necessary.

 

So I'm all on board with suggestions of moving players around the diamond on two conditions: 1) they want to, and 2) they are good enough. No force fitting.

 

The only other thing I'd comment on is something I know nothing about. If there are guys that have to be added or kept on the 40 man who we haven't seen (including newly added players), let's take a look.

[Mike Sixel]

 

I think positional flexibility is a great thing to try to maximize a 25-man roster. It's not for every player - for example, no one would dream of putting Sano in RF - but some players really do seem to thrive on being able to take the field in any position. If Rosario is up for some time at the keystone, give him an infielder's glove. If Garver can play 1B or RF on occasion, let's go. Kepler at 1B, sure! I dare say it makes the player more marketable (if they like it and can play multiple positions reasonably well), and it allows the team to play match-up against a pitcher. Heck, I'd go so far as to identify relief pitchers that can track down a fly ball reasonably well so they could play the outfield for an out if necessary.

 

So I'm all on board with suggestions of moving players around the diamond on two conditions: 1) they want to, and 2) they are good enough. No force fitting.

 

The only other thing I'd comment on is something I know nothing about. If there are guys that have to be added or kept on the 40 man who we haven't seen (including newly added players), let's take a look.

 

If I have the energy, there will be a post about that last part....

[Monkeypaws]

Add a couple odd waiver claims and I think you nailed it.

[yarnivek1972]

I wanna be like mike

[Dman]

 

Sounds good.

 

The only things I would do differently is to get Astrudillo up and cut Wilson.

 

As far as OF goes, Cave, Rosario, Kepler, and Wade are all LHBs, and all but Rosario are left throwers so they have minimal position flexibility.   If I were to cut Grossman, I'd like to see what Zander Wiel can do.  He deserves a chance and this team needs RHBs

Also, I'd play Austin at 1B 70% of the time and Mauer there about 30%.  He needs the reps on the field more than Mauer.

 

Also, I'd replace Forsythe with Gordon.  Let's finally see what he can and what he cannot do.  Forsythe (or Astrudillo or Adrianza) are not part of the future there for the Twins.

 

In other words:

 

out: Wison in: Astrudillo

out: Morrison: in Austin

out: Forsythe: in Gordon

out: Grossman: in Wade

out: Belisle: in Wiel

 

And the last thing I would look (in a trade, FA signing, IFA signing, draft pick) in the next 3 years is yet another left hitting, left throwing OF

 

I like your idea about getting Wiel up as well.  It is just that he is not on the 40 man and if they have to take him off to save someone else from the rule V draft I think we could lose him. 

 

I do think Wiel has the eye to make it but it would also be nice to see him at AAA first because Wade and Gordon both struggled more there than AA.  If the 40 man weren't so restrictive of moves like this I think Wiel would be a cool way to go.  I just don't see them being bold enough to make a move like that.

[Dman]

Mike, I like your thoughts on Kepler at 1st base.  I hadn't considered that before but it makes sense.  Especially as a way to get more outfielders (i.e. Wade, Cave) playing time.  I think\hope Kepler is ready to break out and be a bit more consistent.  Hoping he ends the year well at the plate.  If he gets it together that flexibility would be nice to have.

[mngopherguy]

Seems reasonable Mike. 

 

I would keep Wilson because we don't have another catcher and the pitchers, especially Berrios, like throwing to him and are comfortable with him.  That helps their development.  

 

I agree 100% on Gordon.  No reason to push this season and possibly mess him up.  If people need to see him so bad, go to Rochester. 

 

I'd like to see Austin and I would also keep Garver in the line up more as a DH. He can catch 3 out of 5 and DH 1 or 2.  

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I’d wanna see Kepler play some first and right field. Seeing Rosario play third was interesting, and having him play a little third and left would be good for the future.

 

I too want to see Weil, Austin and Astudillo up and Austin getting some starts at first, Austudillo all over including Catch 30-40% of the time.

 

Wilson, Grossman and Morison out, agreed.

[Major League Ready]

As of right now, my goals for next year for position players would be ...

 

1) Resign Escobar to play 2B

2) Monitor Sano this winter and make sure he reports to camp in great shape.

3) Sign Iglesias to play SS and move Polanco to 2B if we can't sign Escobar

4) Sign Justin Smoak for 1B and teach him to bunt. 

 

Address catcher if Garver does not maintain or improve the remainder of the year. I think an infield of Adams / Escobar / Polanco & Sano would look pretty darn good.

 

The outfield has question marks but I would not sell at rock bottom with Buxton and Kepler. Cave is proving he can play so he is a good insurance piece and we need to get a good look at Wade this year.

Kepler has hit both LH and RH pitching just not in the same year. The OF looks good if he can just put it together. 

[ashbury]

Largely Mike's plan fits with my ideas. I so much want to discuss the pitching in conjunction with the full roster but will hold off.

 

Concur with a definite thumbs-down on Gordon until he shows something at AAA because right now he's major-league deficient both at the plate and at SS.

 

Concur about Sano and Buxton. Do what's best for their future, 2019 in particular, and if that means playing, play them, if that means playing in the minors, play them there, if that means rest, DL them or otherwise keep them inactive.

 

I differ in my thinking concerning catcher. I would acquire some kind of starter in the coming off-season, unless Garver wows me in the coming two months. I do not base my plans around Castro making it back as a useful major leaguer. He's a gamer and I expect him to do all he can - and if I do acquire a stud starter, I inform Jason that my plan is to do right by him by opening day if he makes it all the way back, with a trade to a good team if there remains no opening here even if I could have gotten more in trade some other way (even just a waiver deal). You can't in good conscience leave yourself vulnerable with a "maybe" or even a "probably" at catcher. Either way, in the here-and-now, I agree Garver gets the reps the remainder of this season.

 

Neither Cave nor Wade is a major league center fielder. Cave is a fourth outfielder. Wade is a center fielder in the same way Kepler is a center fielder, i.e. he is not unless your team aspirations involve high draft picks in June 2020, and like Kep he has a chance to be a good starter at a corner outfield position. I would base their playing time in August and September on those views.

 

Middle infield is now a team weakness due to the deadline trades. That will be one way I'll judge the FO this off-season, but again we're talking about Aug/Sept. Get Motter up here, I suppose. Sean Miller from AA if you need a warm body. The pickings are slim for whom to give playing time.

 

I don't remember why Rosario washed out as a second baseman, but I'll assume it was turning the DP rather than pure range or arm. No need to revisit that decision, at his age. He was a revelation on that one play at third base the other night, but unless and until Sano is not an option there, we keep that idea in our back pocket for some future year.

 

I don't see a role for Willians Astudillo on anything but a last-place MLB team, like Willingham and Doumit before him, so despite his being a good "story" I would not invest anything but spare cycles in letting him strut his stuff.

 

I don't want Mauer back next year, and it pains me to think this could become a black eye for the team if he wants to continue his career, but again that's a problem for later on, and getting Tyler Austin up seems like a good idea in preference to keeping Morrison on the roster for August/September.

 

These two months are no longer about getting the most production out of players, but about teaching, and about evaluation. I was so angry at Jake Cave for that botched play I watched in Kansas City, and wanted him benched and/or optioned and/or excommunicated. But two weeks later, I don't see a benching for a mistake like that, just kindly and constructive teaching by the on-field staff. And careful note-taking.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

 

 

I don't remember why Rosario washed out as a second baseman, but I'll assume it was turning the DP rather than pure range or arm. No need to revisit that decision, at his age. He was a revelation on that one play at third base the other night, but unless and until Sano is not an option there, we keep that idea in our back pocket for some future year.

 

 

 

Rosario was blocked by Dozier more than anything else. I don't think his defense there would be special either (nor was it bad).

[Major League Ready]

The Dodgers have the #3 and #5 rated catching prospects in Ruiz at AA and Smith just got promoted to AAA. If they sign Grandal, these guys are blocked. The questions what could we offer them. Perhaps a 3 team trade?

[Rosterman]

One can agree with everything you say, except on the free agent dreams. Or trade dreams. Not sure the Twins really have tradeable pieces that other pieces demand. Not sure if the Twins do need to sign any longterm free agents until they have a better idea how they might compete going into 2020, or will it be 2021.

 

The Twins HAVE to put many many names on waivers wire in August. The decision to let them go is threefold. (1) Is it still beter to keep the guy and play out the contract because they will contribute to the team winning games as the season winds down (remember, we still have a third of the season left) or the player will be a part of the team in 2019 (Adrianza, perhaps Grossman). (2) Do you want salary relief from the contract (Addison Reed could be a BIG move here, ridding yourself of his $8 million in 2019 - wait, we are talking guys on the field, sorry). (3) What to do if NOBODY wants our players? Brings us back to #1. If you are paying them, do you keep and play them, or eat the salary.

 

I like your comment "we don’t always know how a player will react to the majors, and that scouting is not a perfect art. Therefore, I believe that you can gather data at the major league level about ability, and that players need time to adapt. I want both to happen this year." But then you say you don't want Gordon up here in 2018 and don't see him starting out-of-the-gate in 2019. 

 

Well, if the choice is Forsythe (or Polanco/Adrianza) playing out of position, I would rather take a flyer at Gordon, no doubt limited to the #9 spot in the batting order unless Bobby Wilson is catching) and seeing if he does up his game now that he is getting major league meal money. How will you know. You have an opportunity to play the guy 30-40 games. Can he hit .200? I say, go for it.

 

The outfield is set. We do have to look at Buxton again, perhaps. We also have to make a decision on Granite, although Wade has probably passed him by. Right now we have four outfielders (counting Grossman). If Grossman IS NOT part of the plan for 2019, then he shouldn't be playing. But he is one of the 4-5 guys that will remain on the 40-man and might make it to spring training. We want to see LaMonte Wade, but he won't be added until the of-season at this point as there is no need to play him. Yes, I would rather see him, perhaps more than Granite or Grossman, but it ain't going to happen.

 

Can Kepler play first base? Why, we may ask. Sure, he did play it a bit in High A-ball, I believe. Remember, But is he the first baseman of the future? Right now, Tyler Austin has stepped into that role (pas Kennys Vargas who will be able to return to Cincinnati if they want him, remember the mess last spring) who would replace Logan Morrison, whose time has come and sadly gone. Heck, I would rather see Kennys, but no need now. Austin is out of options next season, so he becomes the next Kevin Maas or maybe a solid bench bat. Brent Rooker is now blocked to coming up anytime before next September, unless injuries cause him to be reconsidered. Of course, the lack of ANY talk during the trade deadline of people inquiring about Joe Mauer means Joe will be back at first base in 2019 if salary can be met. I'm looking forward to see if Joe DOES GET any offers in the offseason. This will be amazing to see what his drop in income will be.
 

We know that there are very few names to add to the 40-man mix in the off season of guys that we will lose in a Rule 5 draft, so ocne again the Twins will be sitting with 20+ pitchers on the roster and barely a fielding staff. Willians Astilludo is an interesting name. Do we want to see him back up and actually catching, as a bench bat, and a guy who can play other positions (except never pitch again). Will he ramain for that reason alone? Because next season we still have Castro behind-the-plate as the vet and a much improved Garver. Garver SHOULD get 2/3rds of the starts fer sure. Maybe. Do the Twins find a way to look at Juan Graterol? Wynston Sawyer? Jordan Pochardo (sp?) or anyone NOT named Navarretto (Brian, I think, will need to be considered for the 40-man, but doubt that he will be grabbed by anyone, but he could change organizations himself, or so I think).

 

Polancho is he shortstop (although people have said he is a second base guy). Sano is at third for now. Adrianza is still a cheap infield alternative. Do the Twins need Field or Motter or Forsythe (or Petit) come the offseason? I imagine Field will come up because he is on the 40-man. But he is also one of those 4-5 guys on the bubble that may remain come the off-season.

 

We know the Twins won't do anything like bring up Royce Lewis to play shortstop. Not that people can't make that big of a jump to major league life. And they don't want to use up options. Or start service time. All those stupid reasons not to be extreme.

 

So the only BIG NAME is Nick Gordon, who so many say is slipping in the Top 100 rankings due to play at Rochester and being called "not deserving" of getting a shot at a basic vacant position on the team, plus he isn't on the 40-man. But if he is a viable prospect being groomed to make the majors at second or shortstop and is now at AAA ball, which is the cusp of being  a major league consideration, is it so BAD to bring the guy up and give him a solid audition on the field and at the plate, albeit at the bottom of the order. You know what you have. And like hoping Polanco has a great second half like last year, cementing himself with the organization, and Sano getting 40+ games at third base to prove he bellongs on the team and maybe, maybe at third base instead of someone else (if he doesn't, you make a play for Escobar in the off-season after he sees what he is worth).

 

No to free agents. If nothing else, the team does some patchwork like they did this yer..some one-year contracts from people wanting a job that you might be able to flip. But only if you aren't willing to do a corresponding view of the guys you have.

 

2019 will be a rerun of 2018. The people we wanted to see get better like Kepler, Sano, Buxton will be given at least another half-year. Gordon MAY/MAY NOT get a chance to join the club, and again I say - if he isn't a prospect, then good. But if he a prospect, you have a chance to look at him and at least see what he needs to work on and he can start 2019 in AAA ball all the better with a chance to really make an impact on the club. He can't be any worse than Buxton 2018.

 

ADDED to the 40-man. Nick Gordon is it. Maybe Navarretto, if you think he will work as a backup in 2020 and beyond. LaMonte Wade. And there are more than enough deductions to cover these adds today or in the off-season.

 

 

 

[Riverbrian]

Ya, I probably would only do that in some alternative world.....but I threw it out as a thought experiment.

Hang in there. It could be a great thought experiment.

[Darius]

I don't want to see Buxton the rest of the year.

 

Get him healthy, then give him another two-week off. That'll probably run out the season. Then, send him home with the best hitting coach money can buy living in an RV in his driveway. He can come back next year with a cleared head and play his way back to the big club from AA/AAA.