Wishlist Items in the next 40 days

[Vanimal46]

July 31st is right around the corner, and as things stand so far, the 2023 Twins isn’t very good. Barring a multiple week win streak, my mind is pretty set on what to do at the trade deadline… I want to be sellers and give playing time to the players who will be here in 2024+. With that being said…

DFA by July 31: 

Pagan and Kepler. This is nothing new and discussed on many threads. They need to go. 

Trade by July 31: 

Sonny Gray - I am open to a short term extension of 2, maybe 3 additional years. If he is looking for his last contract that pays him through his late 30s it ain’t going to happen here. Sell high on a career year at 33 years old. 

Joey Gallo - If he has any value, trade him away. He may be closer to the DFA category. 

Caleb Thielbar - He’s been a great story the last couple of years. 36 years old with 1 arbitration season left. He’ll have value on the trade market. 

Explore trading, but it would need to be a strong offer to execute:

Jorge Polanco - The Twins don’t appear to have too many visible leaders in the clubhouse. Polanco is one of them. 

 

[In My La Z boy]

3 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

July 31st is right around the corner, and as things stand so far, the 2023 Twins isn’t very good. Barring a multiple week win streak, my mind is pretty set on what to do at the trade deadline… I want to be sellers and give playing time to the players who will be here in 2024+. With that being said…

DFA by July 31: 

Pagan and Kepler. This is nothing new and discussed on many threads. They need to go. 

Trade by July 31: 

Sonny Gray - I am open to a short term extension of 2, maybe 3 additional years. If he is looking for his last contract that pays him through his late 30s it ain’t going to happen here. Sell high on a career year at 33 years old. 

Joey Gallo - If he has any value, trade him away. He may be closer to the DFA category. 

Caleb Thielbar - He’s been a great story the last couple of years. 36 years old with 1 arbitration season left. He’ll have value on the trade market. 

Explore trading, but it would need to be a strong offer to execute:

Jorge Polanco - The Twins don’t appear to have too many visible leaders in the clubhouse. Polanco is one of them. 

 

Excellent. Aug 1 line up 1B Kirilloff 2B Julien 3B Lewis SS Correa RF Wallner CF Taylor LF Buxton C Jeffers DH Polanco/Larnach

I have confidence Buxton will hit if we give him a position and wait for it. Correa will hit. Let the youth play everyday. Not trading Gray because we can still win this division, perhaps easily - and then you give yourself a chance. Ryan, Gray and Lopez are a starting 3 that can go places in the playoffs. Not giving up here, but let the kids play everyday.

[wsnydes]

I'd move on from Polanco if a reasonable deal came along.  I think the injuries are starting to pile up and that's concerning if they intend to keep him around.  It's as good a time as any to move on from the last core group and start allowing the incoming core to make their imprint on the organization.  I don't think that can happen with Polanco and Kepler here in particular.

[Vanimal46]

If they moved forward with this plan, it opens up 2 spots in the bullpen, and playing time opportunities at RF, LF, and 1B. 

The playing time in the field can be covered by Larnach, Wallner, and Miranda. We need to know with more confidence if Larnach or Wallner can be an every day corner OF in 2024. 

In the bullpen, I heard there was a pitching pipeline at one time. 

[Mike Sixel]

I agree with all of this, especially the part about learning if Wallner or Larnach or Miranda can play next year or not.

I'd do the DFA part right now, but clearly the FO just will not admit Kepler hasn't been good for three years. Mind. Boggling.

I especially like trading Gray and Polanco. Look, when healthy, Polanco is very good. But, it's time. They have Julien (yikes), Martin (will he ever be healthy), Lee, and Lewis (and Miranda?) for 2nd. That doesn't count Farmer or Castro or Gordon (who deserves a shot there, imo). 

Anyway, I almost posted something similar yesterday......so, great minds and all....

[chpettit19]

I'd add 60-day IL Buxton, if there's a chance his knees (that's what I assume is ailing him) can be made good enough to play CF again in the future. If you're selling, and looking to 2024, and beyond, figuring Buxton out is a huge part of that. I don't know what's wrong with his knees, but if it's something that another surgery, and/or rest, can fix to any extent I'd end his season the second I start looking to move other key members of the team.

If I'm trading Sonny Gray, I'm ILing Buxton at the same time. If he can't be the CFer next year this team is in a really tough spot moving forward.

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, chpettit19 said:

I'd add 60-day IL Buxton, if there's a chance his knees (that's what I assume is ailing him) can be made good enough to play CF again in the future. If you're selling, and looking to 2024, and beyond, figuring Buxton out is a huge part of that. I don't know what's wrong with his knees, but if it's something that another surgery, and/or rest, can fix to any extent I'd end his season the second I start looking to move other key members of the team.

If I'm trading Sonny Gray, I'm ILing Buxton at the same time. If he can't be the CFer next year this team is in a really tough spot moving forward.

good point. I would also do that. 

I'd even consider offering him a retirement package if he can't ever play CF again......

[TwinsDr2021]

10 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

I'd add 60-day IL Buxton, if there's a chance his knees (that's what I assume is ailing him) can be made good enough to play CF again in the future. If you're selling, and looking to 2024, and beyond, figuring Buxton out is a huge part of that. I don't know what's wrong with his knees, but if it's something that another surgery, and/or rest, can fix to any extent I'd end his season the second I start looking to move other key members of the team.

If I'm trading Sonny Gray, I'm ILing Buxton at the same time. If he can't be the CFer next year this team is in a really tough spot moving forward.

What is your thoughts of moving the #1 Twins prospect to CF, maybe moving Buxton to RF if and when he can play in the field. It isn't like there is a minor league player that projects to be a starting CF (Unless of course E Rod figures it out, but he is still in A+ ball, so he is probably 2 years away.

[Woof Bronzer]

11 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

I'd add 60-day IL Buxton, if there's a chance his knees (that's what I assume is ailing him)

If this was the case though how is he (theoretically, at least, ha ha) able to run the bases?  I get that Rocco is tired of being asked this question, but he doesn't seem to grasp that the question keeps getting asked because the only information we've gotten from the team is nonsensical.  How can someone be physically unable to run around the outfield while simultaneously being physically able to run around the bases?  This situation is developing major "bilateral leg weakness" vibes.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I like this plan. While it’s technically “selling” it’s not exactly punting 2023 for 2024. Thielbar would be missed pretty badly, but churning some AAA pitchers through the pen could develop quality relievers pretty quickly. Polanco hasn’t been available, and the rest is addition by subtraction.

also agree with 60-day-ing Buck. It’s not just a streaky slump. He’s clearly hurt.

[chpettit19]

3 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

What is your thoughts of moving the #1 Twins prospect to CF, maybe moving Buxton to RF if and when he can play in the field. It isn't like there is a minor league player that projects to be a starting CF (Unless of course E Rod figures it out, but he is still in A+ ball, so he is probably 2 years away.

Oh, I've been driving the Royce Lewis in CF bus for a while now. To me, it's the obvious choice. I'm good with them letting him stick at 3rd for a while and just concentrate on making adjustments at the plate while playing a position he doesn't have to think much about, but, for next year, Lewis would be my CFer if I were running the Twins.

[DJL44]

55 minutes ago, In My La Z boy said:

I have confidence Buxton will hit if we give him a position and wait for it. 

I have confidence Buxton will be out for the season within a week if they make him play the outfield. He currently can't stay healthy as a DH.

[chpettit19]

7 minutes ago, Woof Bronzer said:

If this was the case though how is he (theoretically, at least, ha ha) able to run the bases?  I get that Rocco is tired of being asked this question, but he doesn't seem to grasp that the question keeps getting asked because the only information we've gotten from the team is nonsensical.  How can someone be physically unable to run around the outfield while simultaneously being physically able to run around the bases?  This situation is developing major "bilateral leg weakness" vibes.

He runs the bases a max of twice a game most of the time. He'd play defense a minimum of 8 innings a game. That's a whole lot more wear and tear on your knees than swinging a dozen times, and running the bases once or twice. Just the jogs to and from CF before and after each inning would be more steps than he takes on offense. I don't see what's nonsensical about it at all.

[Mike Sixel]

3 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Oh, I've been driving the Royce Lewis in CF bus for a while now. To me, it's the obvious choice. I'm good with them letting him stick at 3rd for a while and just concentrate on making adjustments at the plate while playing a position he doesn't have to think much about, but, for next year, Lewis would be my CFer if I were running the Twins.

100%. Keep him at third this year (unless you want to get Miranda back up) to get him comfortable, but let him know he's likely the starting CF next year.

[Jocko87]

I'm good with all this except the Gray part.  I don't think value is there but they might get blown away.  I think I'd rather have the higher QO pick and the rest of the years production than a bunch of lower lottery tickets.  Gallo is playing his way out of the QO so at that point he's just blocking someone. 

[Mike Sixel]

8 minutes ago, Woof Bronzer said:

If this was the case though how is he (theoretically, at least, ha ha) able to run the bases?  I get that Rocco is tired of being asked this question, but he doesn't seem to grasp that the question keeps getting asked because the only information we've gotten from the team is nonsensical.  How can someone be physically unable to run around the outfield while simultaneously being physically able to run around the bases?  This situation is developing major "bilateral leg weakness" vibes.

Can we have on thread that isn't about Buxton and how the Twins are lying to fans?

[Jocko87]

10 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

What is your thoughts of moving the #1 Twins prospect to CF, maybe moving Buxton to RF if and when he can play in the field. It isn't like there is a minor league player that projects to be a starting CF (Unless of course E Rod figures it out, but he is still in A+ ball, so he is probably 2 years away.

I don't think there is a difference in CF or RH in this situation, unfortunately. 

[chpettit19]

1 minute ago, Jocko87 said:

I'm good with all this except the Gray part.  I don't think value is there but they might get blown away.  I think I'd rather have the higher QO pick and the rest of the years production than a bunch of lower lottery tickets.  Gallo is playing his way out of the QO so at that point he's just blocking someone. 

They'd definitely have to set their bar at a certain level for Gray. And the other FOs know it, too. Whether they're willing to pay it or not likely comes down to supply and demand at the deadline. They know they have to get a player back that's equal to a pick in the #30-35 range in the draft. And they know they need prospects worth Gray for the second half as well. You let teams know that's the price, and see what happens. I think it's quite possible they could get that back for him at the deadline with there being more buyers than sellers. I don't think they'll do it, though. I'd think there's a little fear for their jobs if they have to sell at the deadline after making so many "win now" moves the last year plus.

[Woof Bronzer]

4 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Can we have on thread that isn't about Buxton and how the Twins are lying to fans?

You discussed Buxton, agreeing that he should be IL'd.  I agree with your agreement, because it makes no sense that he physically can't play CF but can run the bases.  I don't know, figuring out the Buxton situation is critical to both the short- and long-term future of this franchise, sorry that people care about it.  

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, Woof Bronzer said:

You discussed Buxton, agreeing that he should be IL'd.  I agree with your agreement, because it makes no sense that he physically can't play CF but can run the bases.  I don't know, figuring out the Buxton situation is critical to both the short- and long-term future of this franchise, sorry that people care about it.  

Truth, but that wasn't the tone at all....or maybe I just read it wrong. It seems everyone but the FO is ready to IL Buxton at this point.....

[DJL44]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

unless you want to get Miranda back up

If you want to bring up Miranda find a home for Solano and give him that role.

I think they can go with the youth movement and still win the division. In fact, it might be their best chance to win the division.

Larnach looks better than Kepler in the outfield. Wallner or Julien looks better than Buxton at DH. Sands and Winder can replace Lopez and Pagan.

[Woof Bronzer]

8 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

He runs the bases a max of twice a game most of the time. He'd play defense a minimum of 8 innings a game. That's a whole lot more wear and tear on your knees than swinging a dozen times, and running the bases once or twice. Just the jogs to and from CF before and after each inning would be more steps than he takes on offense. I don't see what's nonsensical about it at all.

Well, preventative maintenance - avoiding all that wear and tear - is not the same as "physically unable to play the position".  An acute knee injury can happen just as likely from running the bases than running down a fly ball.  Why don't they just IL him?

[Woof Bronzer]

1 minute ago, Mike Sixel said:

Truth, but that wasn't the tone at all....or maybe I just read it wrong. It seems everyone but the FO is ready to IL Buxton at this point.....

Apologies - my frustration with the club is certainly making its way into my tone :)  

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, DJL44 said:

If you want to bring up Miranda find a home for Solano and give him that role.

I think they can go with the youth movement and still win the division. In fact, it might be their best chance to win the division.

Larnach looks better than Kepler in the outfield. Wallner or Julien looks better than Buxton at DH. Sands and Winder can replace Lopez and Pagan.

But that means he's mostly on the bench, unless you move Kiriloff to the OF, but then you aren't seeing Wallner and Larnach out there.....

I don't know if I ever need to see Sands again, but yes, Winder should be in MN full time at this point.

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, Woof Bronzer said:

Apologies - my frustration with the club is certainly making its way into my tone :)  

And mine. that's twice I've had to sort of apologize today. Sigh. 

[chpettit19]

2 minutes ago, Woof Bronzer said:

Well, preventative maintenance - avoiding all that wear and tear - is not the same as "physically unable to play the position".  An acute knee injury can happen just as likely from running the bases than running down a fly ball.  Why don't they just IL him?

It's not? He's not physically capable of all the running involved in playing CF right now so they're only DHing him because his body can handle that much running/swinging. That's how I understand the situation. Sure sounds like he's "physically unable to play the position" so they're "avoiding wear and tear" that causes him problems while allowing him to do as much playing as he's physically capable of right now.

Who's said anything about an acute injury? To my knowledge the Twins have never said they're attempting to avoid an acute knee injury by limiting him. It's always been about the wear and tear his knees can handle.

The original comment you quoted of mine was literally me saying I'd put him on the 60-day IL.

[DJL44]

7 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

But that means he's mostly on the bench, unless you move Kiriloff to the OF, but then you aren't seeing Wallner and Larnach out there....

Solano is 3rd in plate appearances for the Twins. That's plenty of playing time for Miranda.

Miranda (or Chris Williams) and Julien could share first base. Outfield of Larnach, Taylor and Kirilloff. Wallner at DH. That isn't going to be worse than what they're doing right now.

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, DJL44 said:

Solano is 3rd in plate appearances for the Twins. That's plenty of playing time for Miranda.

At first and DH and PHing? I assume this is dropping as AK is back, but maybe I'm wrong here.....

In any event, if Miranda is back up, I personally want him playing 3B (his only real shot at a position on this roster, IMO). YMMV of course. 

[sampleSizeOfOne]

I just wish we play good ball the rest of the season, and win a lot.

 

Is my wish list too short? 

I just remember Darby O'Gill:

3 wishes ye get, big wishes or small.

but wish for a 4th, and ya loose them all!

[DJL44]

3 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

if Miranda is back up, I personally want him playing 3B

I don't want him playing 3B for the Twins except in an emergency. He's not good enough. I think when Miranda grows up he's going to be Solano.